The words "isolation" and "quarantine" have become commonplace terms during the COVID-19 pandemic, often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two and it is important to understand the difference, especially if you or a family member or friend become sick.
Isolation
Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who are sick with COVID-19 and those with no symptoms) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. When at home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and use a separate bathroom (if available). How long you need to isolate will depend on your circumstances. See below.
If you think or know you had COVID-19 and had symptoms
You can be with others after
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
- At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and
- Symptoms have improved
If you had severe COVID-19 illness (requiring hospitalization), you should remain isolated for at least 20 days (instead of 10 as indicated above).
If you tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms
If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after
- 10 days have passed since the day you were tested
SRHD does not recommend getting tested again to see if you still have COVID-19 after you have met the isolation requirements.
If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the guidance above for “I think or know I had COVID, and I had symptoms.”
If you have fever with cough or shortness of breath but have not been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and have not tested positive for COVID-19, you should stay home away from others until 24 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms get better. Learn more about testing positive.
For more information, view the When to Test, Quarantine, and Isolate guidance document.
Quarantine
Quarantine is the practice of separating someone who may have been exposed to a virus from other people to see if the person becomes sick. This helps prevent the spread of the virus before symptoms develop. A quarantine period is usually 14 days after the date you were last exposed to the person with COVID-19 when they were infectious. This could be longer for household members due to the possibility of repeated exposures. This is the period during which you could develop symptoms of COVID-19 based on your exposure to the case. During quarantine, it is important to avoid being in close contact with others.
Who should quarantine?
Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. This includes people who previously had COVID-19 and people who have taken a serologic (antibody) test and have antibodies to the virus.
What counts as close contact?
- You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes
- You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
- You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged, or kissed them)
- You shared eating or drinking utensils
- They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
Stay home and monitor your health
- Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19
- Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
- If possible, stay away others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19
For more information, view the When to Test, Quarantine, and Isolate guidance document.
Content adapted from materials produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.