Not all COVID-19 patients will require medical care. In fact, most will likely have mild to moderate symptoms. But COVID-19 can spread easily between people, and it is important you follow protocol to isolate yourself (for COVID-19 patients) or quarantine (for their friends, family and contacts) to stop the spread.
Here, we summarize the latest guidance from the Virginia Department of Health provided to physicians.
Both isolation and quarantine are used to prevent the spread of communicable disease, but there is a difference between the two:
| Isolation | Quarantine |
|---|---|
|
Separates those diagnosed with COVID-19 from people who are not sick. Stay home in a separate room in the house so that you don't infect others. |
Separates people who have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not yet sick. Get tested, stay home and monitor for symptoms. If you do not test positive or no symptoms develop in a specified time frame, you can stop quarantine. |
When Can You Can Be Around Others
Here are the isolation and quarantine actions COVID-19 patients, their household contacts, and other contacts who are not in the house (like coworkers or friends) must take. It is important to note that if you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and have a known exposure, but have not been tested, you should proactively self-isolate.
| Who | Action to Take | How long? |
|---|---|---|
| I had COVID-19 Symptoms |
Self-Isolate |
Most people can stop self-isolation* at home when all 3 of these things have happened:
AND
AND
|
| I tested positive for COVID-19, but never had symptoms |
Self-Isolate |
Most people can stop self-isolating* at home after
AND
|
| I was exposed to COVID-19 |
Self-Quarantine |
People need to quarantine when they have spent at least 15 minutes within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19. If you are quarantining because someone with If you are quarantining because you spent time with someone with COVID-19: |
* If you are immunocompromised, check with your doctor before ending isolation.
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What You Need to do When You Isolate or Quarantine