COVID-19 FAQ

What is the difference between « quarantine » and « quarantine »?

Quarantine refers to separating/restricting an exposed or at-risk individual from others to see if she/he is confirmed infected from test results) Quarantine refers to separating a confirmed COVID-positive individual from someone who is not sick.

What is the difference between quarantine and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Quarantine helps slow the spread of COVID-19
Quarantine means staying home.
People near people with COVID-19 must isolate.
If you are near someone with COVID-19, quarantine for 14 days.
Take your temperature twice a day.
Stay away from other people.
Stay away from people with other health problems.

Quarantine helps slow the spread of COVID-19.
Isolation means staying away from others.
People with COVID-19 must stay in isolation.
People with COVID-19 must stay away from others.
People with COVID-19 must stay away from people in their home.

What is self-isolation?

Self-isolation is a way to slow the spread of the virus by staying home and away from others.

How many days should you self-isolate for coronavirus disease?

• Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with someone with COVID-19.
• Watch for fever (100.4°F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
• If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.

Do I need to quarantine after testing negative for the new coronavirus?

You should stay home for 14 days after your last contact with someone with COVID-19.

Quarantine vs. Quarantine: What’s the Difference?

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What does a negative COVID-19 test result mean?

A negative test result for this test means that SARS-CoV-2 RNA is not present in the sample or that the RNA concentration is below the detection limit. However, a negative result does not rule out COVID-19 and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions.

Should I continue to self-isolate if I test negative for COVID-19 five days after exposure?

If you are tested on the 5th day or later after exposure and the result is negative, you can stop isolating after 7 days. While in isolation, watch for fever, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. People with severe or life-threatening symptoms should seek emergency care immediately.

How soon can I be around others again after getting COVID-19?

You can be with other people when:

● 10 days after symptoms first appeared, and
● No fever medicine, no fever for 24 hours,
● Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving*

*Loss of taste and smell after recovery may persist for weeks or months without delaying the end of quarantine​

When can I end isolation after being exposed to COVID-19 and testing negative?

If you are tested on the 5th day or later after exposure and the result is negative, you can stop isolating after 7 days. While in isolation, watch for fever, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

How long can you remain infectious after testing positive for COVID-19?

If someone is asymptomatic or their symptoms disappear, it is possible to remain infectious for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19. People hospitalized with serious illness and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for 20 days or more.

What is quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Quarantine is used to separate people who are infected with COVID-19 from those who are not. People who are quarantined should stay at home until they can safely spend time with others.

At home, anyone who is sick or infected should separate from others, stay in a specific « ward » or area, and use a separate bathroom (if available).

After being in close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, do I still need to self-isolate prior to travel even if I test negative?

If you test negative for COVID-19, you should still complete the 14-day quarantine period before traveling.

How can I effectively self-isolate to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

stay at home for 14 days after your last contact with someone with COVID-19
Watch for fever (100.4°F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
If possible, stay away from others, especially those at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19

What is the purpose of quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Quarantines isolate and restrict the movement of people who have been exposed to an infectious disease to see if they are sick. These people may have been exposed to a disease and not know it, or they may have the disease but not show symptoms.

If I am fully vaccinated, should I be tested after close contact with someone with COVID-19?

• If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should get tested 3-5 days after exposure, even if you are asymptomatic. You should also wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days after exposure or until your test result is negative.

Can I get coronavirus disease from touching surfaces?

A person can contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. It’s not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we’re still learning more about the virus.

What steps should I take after close contact with someone with COVID-19?

• Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with someone with COVID-19.
• Watch for fever (100.4°F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
• If possible, stay away from others, especially those at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19

How long will it take to recover from COVID-19?

Fortunately, people with mild to moderate symptoms usually recover within days or weeks.

How long does immunity last after a new coronavirus infection?

Research has shown that the body maintains a robust immune response to the coronavirus after infection. A study published earlier this year in the journal Science found that about 90 percent of the study patients showed lingering stable immunity for at least eight months after infection.

Can someone test negative on a virus test for COVID-19 and then test positive?

Yes, it is possible. You may test negative if the sample was taken early in the infection and tested positive later in the disease. You can also be exposed to COVID-19 after being tested and then become infected. Even if you test negative, you should still take steps to protect yourself and others. For more information, see Current Infection Detection.

Does a negative result rule out COVID-19?

A negative result does not exclude COVID-19 and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions. A negative result does not rule out COVID-19.

What should you do with work while waiting for your COVID-19 test results?

• Please notify your work supervisor that you have been tested for COVID-19 and note the date of the test.
• If you develop symptoms: notify your supervisor and stay home.
• If you are not experiencing any symptoms: Ask your supervisor for guidance on any potential work and patient care restrictions until you know your test results.
• Avoid using public transport, carpools or taxis when commuting.

What does it mean if I test positive for COVID-19?

If you test positive, you most likely have COVID-19 because proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 were found in your sample. Therefore, you may also be quarantined to avoid spreading the virus to others. There is a small chance that this test will give a false positive result (false positive result). Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how best to care for you based on your test results and your medical history and symptoms.

What are the consequences of a false negative COVID-19 test?

Risks to patients from false-negative test results include delayed or lack of supportive care, lack of symptomatic surveillance of infected individuals and their family members or other close contacts, increased risk of community spread of COVID-19, or other unexpected of adverse events.

What should a symptomatic person who receives a negative COVID-19 antigen test result do?

Symptomatic individuals who have received a negative antigen test result and then NAAT confirmed a negative result but have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days should follow CDC isolation guidelines, which may include Re-detect the last known exposure days later.