COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. To limit the spread of COVID-19, follow these steps if you have symptoms, if you test positive, or if you had close contact with someone who is sick.
If You Have Symptoms
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or other symptoms), isolate yourself. You should get tested immediately, even if you are fully vaccinated, had a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, or already had a negative test. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home.
If You Test Positive
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without care from a doctor. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. Seek care early.
If you test positive, even if you are fully vaccinated, follow these steps:
- Stay home until:
- At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms started or you tested positive AND
- You are fever-free for 24 hours (without the help of medicine) AND
- Your symptoms have improved.
- Stay away from others.
- Stay 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) away from others.
- Do not share personal items.
- Use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible.
- Watch for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Stay in touch with your doctor.
- Call first if you need to see your doctor or urgent care.
- Call 9-1-1 if you need help right away. For example, if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, or bluish lips or face.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot at least daily. See the CDC’s guidance on Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, especially when around other people.
- Make sure the room has good air flow, if you have to share space. Open the window to increase air circulation. Improving ventilation helps remove respiratory droplets from the air.
- Notify people you have had close contact with. This means within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Tell them to stay home and away from others for 14 days. You may wish to share the guidance below for “If You Had Close Contact with Someone Who Is Sick.”
- If you have symptoms, you were able to spread COVID-19 starting two days before your symptoms began.
- If you do not have symptoms, you were able to spread COVID-19 starting two days before you tested positive.
- See the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19: How to Notify Your Contacts, for help identifying and talking to your close contacts.
- Get vaccinated or complete all necessary doses. Wait until you have recovered and meet the criteria for discontinuing isolation.
If You Had Close Contact with Someone Who Is Sick
Fully Vaccinated
People who are fully vaccinated and do not have COVID-19 symptoms, do not need to be tested following an exposure to someone with COVID-19.
Tested Positive within Past 3 Months:
People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not need to get tested following an exposure as long as they do not develop new/worsening symptoms.
Not Fully Vaccinated
If you are not fully vaccinated, we recommend that you quarantine (stay home) for 14 days after the date of last close contact with the person infected with COVID-19 (CDC, Virginia Department of Health).
- Stay home and monitor your health for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
- Stay away from others even though you may not feel sick.
- Stay 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) away from others.
- Do not share personal items.
- Use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible.
- Watch for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day, and watch for fever or cough.
- If you get sick, follow the guidance above for “If You Have Symptoms.”
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot at least daily. See the CDC’s guidance on Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, especially when around other people.
- Make sure the room has good air flow, if you have to share space. Open the window to increase air circulation. Improving ventilation helps remove respiratory droplets from the air.
- Get tested immediately. Even if your first test was negative, get tested again 5 to 7 days after you were in close contact to the sick person.
- If you test positive, follow the guidance above for “If You Test Positive.”
- Get vaccinated. If you test positive, wait until you have recovered and meet the criteria for discontinuing isolation.
Set Up Your Buddy System
If you become ill or need to isolate or self-quarantine, you may need help from other people. And other people may ask you for help.
Having a buddy system will make it easier to get things like food and medicine if you are unable to leave your home. We recommend that every household has two “buddy system” households to call upon for help if needed.
Plan ahead and reach out now – safely – to put your “buddy system” in place.
Buddies can be:
- Friends and neighbors
- People you know through work and social networks
- Members of faith groups
- Members of neighborhood associations (many have Facebook or NextDoor groups or other ways to be in contact)
- The new Arlington Community Corps is another way to find a buddy (and be a buddy to someone who needs one).
Last update: June 17, 2021