What to Do If You Were Exposed to COVID-19
If you have tested positive or are showing symptoms of COVID-19, isolate immediately.
About Being Exposed to COVID-19
Isolation and Exposure Calculator
A tool to help you determine if you need to isolate or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
If you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 or have been told by a healthcare provider or public health authority that you were exposed, here are the steps that you should take, regardless of your vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection. Learn how COVID-19 spreads and the factors that make risk of spread higher or lower.
After Being Exposed to COVID-19
START PRECAUTIONS Immediately
Wear a mask as soon as you find out you were exposed
Start counting from Day 1
• Day 0 is the day of your last exposure to someone with COVID-19
• Day 1 is the first full day after your last exposure
CONTINUE PRECAUTIONS
10 Full Days
You can still develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after you have been exposed
Take Precautions
Wear a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) any time you are around others inside your home or indoors in public 1
• Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask. For travel guidance, see CDC’s Travel webpage.
Take extra precautions if you will be around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.
Watch for symptoms
• fever (100.4°F or greater)
• cough
• shortness of breath
• other COVID-19 symptoms
If you develop symptoms
• isolate immediately
• get tested
• stay home until you know the result
If your test result is positive, follow the isolation recommendations.
GET TESTED
Day 6
Get tested at least 5 full days after your last exposure
Test even if you don’t develop symptoms.
If you already had COVID-19 within the past 90 days, see specific testing recommendations.
IF YOU TEST
Negative
Continue taking precautions through day 10
• Wear a high-quality mask when around others at home and indoors in public
You can still develop COVID-19 up to 10 days after you have been exposed.
IF YOU TEST
Positive
Isolate immediately