The recommended isolation period for someone who tests positive for COVID-19 is at least 5 days. This isolation starts at Day 0, which is the day symptoms began or the day the positive test was taken, whichever is earlier. During this period, people should stay at home, avoid going to work or school, and minimize contact with others, including household members as much as possible. If symptoms continue after 5 days, it is advised to remain isolated until recovery. Additionally, even after isolation, wearing a mask around others for several more days is recommended to prevent spreading the virus further. The CDC also notes that isolation can end after 5 full days if the person is fever-free for 24 hours without medication and other symptoms are improving. However, the isolation period may be longer if symptoms persist or if the person cannot effectively wear a mask after 5 days. Mask-wearing and other precautions should continue after isolation to reduce transmission risks. Isolation recommendations emphasize staying apart from people at risk of severe illness during and after the isolation period. These guidelines reflect current practices in 2025 where immunity levels are high and antiviral treatments exist, but caution remains important to protect vulnerable individuals.
