Illnesses > Illness at any age > COVID-19 > COVID-19_Isolation_and_Quarantine

COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine

“Quarantine” means that if you are exposed but healthy, you must stay home (or outdoors well away from others). 

“Isolation” means that if you are sick with COVID-19, you must also try to stay away from uninfected household members as well.

 

On August 11, 2022, the CDC announced new recommendations for isolation and quarantine.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html

Generally, people with COVID-19 disease must isolate for 5 days (and longer if you are sicker or not recovering.  Then, for the following 5 days, they are .expected to wear a mask and avoid unnecessary contact.

People exposed (but not yet sick) are no longer required to quarantine, but they are expected to wear a mask and avoid unnecessary contact for 10 days after exposure.

The recommendations are the same for everyone, regardless of age, and regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Repeat testing after infection is still generally not recommended.  The CDC specifically recommends against repeat testing as a condition of returning to work or school, unless recommended by a physician.  PCR tests can often remain positive long after you are no longer contagious; so return to work or school would be delayed unnecessarily.

     --  Dr. Epstein