Possible or Confirmed COVID-19 Test

If you test positive for COVID-19

• Stay home and away from others, even if you do not have symptoms. Refer to the how long to stay home section below.
• Symptoms may appear up to 14 days after you are close to someone with COVID-19 (exposed).
• You can spread COVID-19 to others several days before you have any symptoms, or even if you never have any symptoms of COVID-19.
• If you have been fully vaccinated and test positive for COVID-19, you still need to stay home and away from others. Visit About COVID-19 Vaccine: For fully vaccinated people.
• If you are older or have certain medical conditions, it is helpful to let your health care provider know you have COVID-19. They may have specific advice for you.
• Tell your close contacts, including people who are fully vaccinated, that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and share the information on Close Contacts and Tracing.

How long to stay home

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home until all three of these things are true:
• You feel better. Your cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms are better.
  and
• It has been 10 days since you first felt sick.
  and
• You have had no fever for at least 24 hours, without using medicine that lowers fevers.
• If you have tested positive for COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, you must still stay home and away from others for 10 days.
• If a lab test shows you have COVID-19, someone from the health department will give you more information and answer your questions.
• Talk to your health care provider if you have questions.
• If a lab test shows you do not have COVID-19 but you have symptoms, stay home until your symptoms are better and you do not have a fever. Symptoms of COVID-19 can be like other illnesses. It is important to follow your health care provider’s advice before going back to school, work, or other places.