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, you no longer need to remain in isolation.

If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the guidance above for “If you think or know you had COVID-19, and had symptoms.”

If you have fever with cough or shortness of breath but have not had an exposure to someone confirmed to have COVID-19 and you 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 has 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.

*In some cases, it may be possible to quarantine for a shorter length of time. Read more about this under “How long do I quarantine and what actions should I take?”

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 a close contact?

You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes, cumulatively
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

How long do I quarantine and what actions should I take?

Typically, you should stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19 and

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

In some circumstances, you may be able to end quarantine sooner. These include the following:

If you have no symptoms, then quarantine can end after day 10.

Due to the high risk rate in Spokane County, Spokane Regional Health District does not currently recommend shortening quarantine to 7 days, regardless of test results.

Keep in mind that there is a small chance if you choose to shorten your quarantine period, you may transmit the infection to others post-quarantine. It is very important if you have been in quarantine to continue to monitor your symptoms and wear a mask and distance yourself from others through day 14. If you develop symptoms, you should isolate yourself to avoid infecting others and get tested.

For more information, view the When to Test, Quarantine, and Isolate guidance document.

Content adapted from materials and recommendations produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.