Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Self-Isolation

Self-isolation is for individuals who have a confirmed case of COVID-19, and must separate themselves from others to prevent the spread of the illness.

If you have a confirmed case of COVID-19, it is important that you monitor your symptoms carefully. Most people with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and do not need medical care. However, if your symptoms get worse (especially if you have high fever or difficulty breathing), call your primary care provider to report your symptoms and receive guidance. If you need to go to the Emergency Department, please call ahead to explain that you are positive for COVID-19 so that the team is prepared to safely treat you and the others in the facility.

If in self-isolation:

  • Stay home. This means do not go to work, school, or public areas. If you need medical care, it is important you follow the instructions above. While at home separate yourself from other people in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in one specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
    • COVID-19 is spread by droplet (being within about 6 feet of someone who is coughing or sneezing).
    • COVID-19 can also be spread by touching items contaminated with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Examples of items that may be contaminated in the home include:
      • Surfaces that have been sneezed on
      • Surfaces that ill individuals touched after blowing their nose or sneezing or coughing into their hands
      • Used tissues used to blow the nose
  • Avoid sharing personal household items. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with other people in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, then discard into a lined waste container.
  • Postpone all non-urgent medical appointments until you are out of isolation. If you have an essential appointment during the isolation period, please tell your health providers so they can help coordinate the visit.

Isolation May Be Discontinued When:

You are free of fever, productive cough and other acute symptoms of respiratory infection for 72 hours, AND 7 days have passed from the day the you first experienced symptoms.