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If you are experiencing symptoms and think you might have COVID-19, you should isolate yourself until you get tested and receive your results.

But what does it mean to test positive for COVID-19 in 2023, now that mask requirements are gone, and life is essentially back to normal? The answer hasn’t changed, according to the CDC. After testing positive, you should still isolate yourself from others for five days.

During this time:

• Wear a high-quality mask if you MUST be around others

• Separate from others in your home as much as you can, including using a separate bathroom if possible

• Do not travel

• Do not share personal items with anyone

• Improve ventilation in your home by opening windows or using fans to improve air flow

• Monitor your symptoms and seek medical care if needed

After Five Days

If your symptoms improve after five days, you may discontinue isolation. If they do not, continue to isolate yourself until you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) AND your symptoms are improving.

Protecting others

Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid contact with anyone at high risk for COVID-19 complications, including the elderly (age 65 and up), people with weakened immune systems, and people with lung issues (such as asthma or COPD). You should also wear a high-quality mask indoors at home and in public for 10 days after a positive test.

Testing After COVID-19 Exposure

Perhaps you recently spent time with a family member, friend, or co-worker who tested positive for COVID-19. Does it make a difference if you’ve already had COVID-19 or were vaccinated with the latest booster?  

Here’s some good news for 2023: if you were only exposed to the COVID-19 virus, you may carry on as usual unless you begin to experience symptoms or test positive. However, the CDC still suggests wearing a mask around anyone at high risk.