CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Exposure
START PRECAUTIONS IMMEDIATELY
Wear a mask as soon as you find out you were exposed.
- Day 0 is the day of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19
- Day 1 is the first full day after your last exposure
CONTINUE PRECAUTIONS FOR 10 DAYS
- You can still develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after you have been exposed.
- Wear a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) any time you are around others inside your home or indoors in public.
- Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
- Take extra precautions if you will be around people who are high risk.
Watch for symptoms of COVID-19 infection:
- fever (100.4°F or greater)
- cough
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- muscle or body aches
- headache
- new loss of sense of taste or smell
- sore throat
- congestion or runny nose
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
If you develop symptoms:
- Isolate immediately and get tested.
- Stay home until you know the result.
- If your test result is positive, follow the isolation recommendations.
GET TESTED ON DAY 6
- Get tested at least 5 full days after your last exposure.
- Test even if you don’t develop symptoms.
IF YOU TEST NEGATIVE
- Continue to monitor for symptoms and continue to mask through day 10.
- No isolation is required.
IF YOU TEST POSITIVE
- Isolate immediately for 5 days.
- Isolation ends after 5 days if no fever for 24 hours and symptoms have subsided.
- Consult with your Primary Care Provider if you have risk factors for complications of COVID-19 or if illness persists beyond 5 days.
Visit the CDC’s website for more information and to use their Isolation and Exposure Calculator.