Positive COVID Test and COVID Exposure Guidance

What you should do, if you have tested Positive for COVID-19:

(updated August 15, 2022)

ISOLATE

  • Day 0, first day of symptoms OR day the positive test was taken, whichever is earlier

  • Days 1-4, continue to isolate

  • Day 5, last day of isolation if asymptomatic or symptoms are improving

  • Day 6, leave isolation (if you are able to wear a mask at all times when around other people, including in your household, through day 10). You may remove your mask prior to day 10, if you have had two negative tests taken 48 hours apart.

 (Individuals with moderate illness or severe illness or with a weakened immune system should isolate for 10 days and consult your doctor before ending isolation. )


Click here for more details     from Mass.gov

NOTIFY YOUR CLOSE CONTACTS AND DIRECT THEM TO EXPOSURE GUIDANCE BELOW

  • Close contacts are defined as individuals who have been within 6 feet of a COVID-19 positive individual while indoors, for at least 15 minutes during a 24-hour period, for 48 hours prior to symptom onset (or time of positive test if asymptomatic).

ISOLATION TIMELINE CALCULATOR

Use this table to estimate when you can exit isolation.


Symptom Onset or Test Date






Exit Day if No Symptoms





Remove Mask Around Others and in Public

Day

0

Day

1

Day

2

Day

3

Day

4

Day

5

Day

6

Day

7

Day

8

Day

9

Day

10

Day

11


What you should do, if you have been Exposed to COVID-19:

EXPOSURE GUIDANCE:

A close contact is a person who was within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes to someone who was infectious and who has tested positive for COVID-19. A close contact is someone only considered exposed to the virus, but they have not tested positive and they have not become and may not become infectious. 


Regardless of Vaccination status, if you have been exposed:

If you develop symptoms at any time, isolate and take a test and stay home until you know the result. If the result is positive, follow isolation protocols. If your test is negative or if you have remained asymptomatic, take a test on day 6.

  • If you have not had COVID-19 in the last 90 days, you can test with either a rapid antigen or PCR test.
  • People who had COVID-19 in the last 90 days should test with a rapid antigen test, not a PCR test.
  • Wear a high-quality mask around others for 10 days.

Click here for more details, Mass.gov

Click here for CDC guidelines