Monday, August 15, 2022

What to Do If You Were Exposed to COVID-19

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CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC 24/7: Saving Lives, Protecting People
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
August 15, 2022
This message includes updates on the COVID-19 response from CDC. The COVID-19 Outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.
Graphic of COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test kit

What to Do If You Were Exposed to 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, there are steps that you should take, regardless of your vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection.

Steps include:
  • Watch for symptoms for 10 days
  • Wear a mask around others indoors for 10 days
  • Test 5 days after exposure, or sooner if you have symptoms
  • If you test positive, follow isolation guidance
  • Take extra precautions for 10 days when around people more likely to get very sick

Illustration of family practicing isolation.

Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19


If you have COVID-19, you can spread the virus to others. Regardless of vaccination status, you should isolate from others. You should also isolate if you are sick and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results.
If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.
  • Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public.
  • Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask.
  • Do not travel.
  • Stay home and separate from others as much as possible.
  • Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
  • Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.
  • Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
  • Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.

It is important to also understand when to end isolation and when to stop wearing a mask.

CDC's COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review, Friday August 12, 2022 - Health Equity and Vaccines - Find the latest data in CDC's COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review - Subscribe: bit.ly/CDTsubscribe

COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review


CDC is committed to making sure everyone has access to COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more about vaccine equity in this week’s COVID Data 

COVID-19 Community Levels


CDC uses COVID-19 Community Levels to determine the disease’s impact on counties and recommend prevention measures.


CDC also tracks cases, laboratory tests, vaccinations, deaths, and other pandemic data and provides them on our COVID Data Tracker.



U.S. map showing COVID-19 Community Levels

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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