If you test positive for COVID-19, you should mask and speak with a doctor about treatment right away. If you also have symptoms of COVID-19, you should start isolation to protect others.

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Exposure recommendations

If you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, but have no symptoms, and you are at higher risk for severe COVID-19, test within 5 days. If you are in contact with someone who is at higher risk, test before contact with them and wear a mask around them indoors for 10 days. If you had a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the last 30 days, you do not need to test unless symptoms start.

Anyone with new symptoms of COVID-19, whether there is a known exposure or not, should mask and test right away.


Isolation recommendations

If you tested positive and have symptoms

Follow the steps below, even if you are vaccinated or were previously infected with COVID-19.

  • Isolate (stay home) and stay away from others in your household who are not infected. Sleep and stay in a separate room in your home from those not infected.
  • Wear a mask when you are around others indoors, even at home, for 10 days*. Read more in When and Why to Wear a Mask.
  • Avoid contact with those who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 for 10 days*.
  • Speak with a healthcare provider about getting treatment as soon as possible. COVID-19 treatment works best if started within 5-7 days from feeling symptoms.

Ending isolation after testing positive with symptoms

  • Isolate (stay home) until you have had no fever for 24 hours, without taking fever-reducing medication, AND your other symptoms are mild and improving.
  • Wear a mask for the full 10 days*, even if you end isolation earlier (or until you have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart).
  • Avoid contact with those who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 for 10 days*.

If you tested positive and do NOT have symptoms

  • Wear a mask when you are around others indoors, even at home, for 10 days*.
  • Avoid contact with those who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 for 10 days*.
  • If you develop fever or other COVID-19 symptoms, follow the isolation recommendations above.

*The potential infectious period is 2 days before the date of symptoms began or the positive test date (if no symptoms) through Day 10. (Day 0 is the symptom onset date or positive test date).

Learn more in What to Do if You Test Positive.

Exceptions

Rules for isolation may be more restrictive in your area. Check your area’s COVID-19 website.

See CDPH Guidance on Quarantine and Isolation for Health Care Personnel.


Support during isolation

If you can’t work because you have COVID-19, you may be eligible to file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim

If you can’t work because you are caring for a family member with COVID-19, there is help for your lost wages. File a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim

In both these cases, you must have a note from a healthcare worker.


Questions and answers

When can I be around other people after I tested positive for COVID-19?

  • If you have a fever or other symptoms, follow the masking and isolation recommendations above.
  • Your fever is gone, and your symptoms are improving
    • You can leave isolation if you do not have a fever for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications, AND your symptoms are mild and improving.
    • Continue to wear a mask for 10 days when indoors and around others. You may remove your mask sooner than 10 days if you have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart. Day 0 is symptom onset date or positive test date.
    • Continue to avoid people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 for 10 days.
  • If you do not have symptoms
    • Wear a mask for 10 days when indoors and around others. You may remove your mask sooner than 10 days if you have two sequential negative tests at least one day apart. Day 0 is symptom onset date or positive test date.
    • Avoid people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 for 10 days.