COVID-19 Exposure and Positive Test: Updated Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines

​As of March 2025, guidelines for quarantine and isolation following COVID-19 exposure or a positive test have evolved to balance public health considerations with individual circumstances. Rapid tests remain a vital tool to protect your family and loved ones during seasonal surges of COVID-19. Be sure to stock your medicine cabinet with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Here’s what you need to know:​

Quarantine Guidelines After Exposure to COVID-19

If you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps:​

• Mask Wearing: Begin wearing a high-quality mask immediately upon learning of your exposure. Continue this practice for 10 full days when around others indoors.
• Monitoring Symptoms: Be vigilant for symptoms such as fever (100.4°F or greater), cough, or shortness of breath. If symptoms develop, isolate immediately and get tested.
• Testing: Get tested at least 5 full days after your last exposure, even if you don’t develop symptoms. This helps identify asymptomatic infections. ​archive.cdc.gov

Isolation Guidelines After a Positive Rapid Test

Upon receiving a positive COVID-19 test result, the CDC advises:​

• Stay Home: Isolate at home and avoid contact with others. ​
• Duration of Isolation: Remain in isolation until at least 24 hours after your fever has resolved without the use of fever-reducing medications, and other symptoms have improved. ​NYC.gov
• Post-Isolation Precautions: After ending isolation, continue to wear a mask around others and avoid crowded places for an additional 5 days to minimize the risk of transmission. ​doh.wa.gov

Role of Rapid Testing

Rapid home tests are valuable tools for promptly detecting COVID-19 infections. They enable individuals to take immediate action, such as isolating to prevent further spread. For reliable rapid home tests, consider options like the ASSURE-100 Rapid COVID-19 Home Test.​

Adhering to updated quarantine and isolation guidelines is essential in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Utilizing rapid testing, monitoring symptoms, and following recommended precautions protect both individual and public health.

Rapid tests remain a vital tool to protect your family and loved ones during seasonal surges of COVID-19. Be sure to stock your medicine cabinet with market-leading ASSURE-100 rapid tests this season.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Keywords: COVID-19 quarantine guidelines, isolation after positive test, rapid testing, SARS-CoV-2, CDC recommendations