Frequently Asked Questions
How long should quarantining last?
| Length of Quarantine | Is testing required? | Who should use this option? |
| 14 Days | NO | People who have regular close contact with high risk individuals. This includes people who live or work in residential or congregate living facilities.* |
| 10 Days | NO | This quarantine period is appropriate for most people who do not have contact with high risk individuals. |
| 7 Days | YES | People who do not have contact with high risk individuals and have a negative test collected 48 hours before quarantine is discounted (on day 5 or later). |
*The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommends nursing homes use a 14-day quarantine period. During times of worker shortages, facilities may need to implement shorter or modified quarantine for critical infrastructure workers.
For 14 days after exposure, regardless of your quarantine length, you should:
- Watch for symptoms of COVID-19.
- If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health authority or health care provider.
- Wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet from others, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and take other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html).
- Avoid contact with high-risk individuals.
