Exposure, Isolation, and Testing Guidance

Information on this page is intended for the general public. For setting-specific guidance, such as healthcare guidance, please visit CDC's webpage. 

 

What to Do If  You Were Exposed

What to Do If You Were Exposed

  • Wear a mask for 10 full days, especially if you will be around people who are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.
  • Get tested after 5 full days or if you develop symptoms.
  • If you already had COVID-19 within the past 90 days, follow this guidance.

 

When to Get Tested for COVID-19

When to Get Tested for COVID-19

  • If you’re sick or symptomatic with COVID-19 symptoms
  • If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, test 5 full days after your exposure.
  • If you work in certain high-risk settings, you may be asked to test as part of a screening program.
  • Consider testing for COVID-19 before contact with someone at high risk for severe COVID-19.

  • Find a testing location near you.

 

What to Do If You Test Positive 

What to Do If You Test Positive

  • Report your test result if you did an at-home test.
  • Isolate immediately by staying home and away from others for at least 5 days.
  • If you must be around others, wear a high-quality mask.
  • Isolation may end after day 5 if you have improved symptoms and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
  • Wear a face mask through day 10 following your positive test, or until you have two negative tests taken 48-hours apart.