The information below is for the general public and is not applicable to healthcare personnel in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, or K-12 schools. View individual guidance below.

Cdph guidance for local health jurisdictions

Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for the General Public

Steps for Isolation

Once you test positive, isolation should begin immediately. Regardless of vaccination status, isolate in your home or in a location where you have little-to-no contact with others.
Talk to a healthcare provider to learn if you qualify for COVID-19 Treatments
Notify individuals you were in close contact with during the two (2) days before you developed symptoms (or were tested for COVID-19, if you do not have symptoms) that you have tested positive. Close contacts should take steps to protect themselves after being exposed.
Contact your employer and be prepared to provide your positive test and the letter referenced above. Your employer may have different return-to-work requirements based on your occupation.
If you need to see a doctor, CALL for instructions. If you have trouble breathing or other symptoms become severe, call 9-1-1.

How long is Isolation?

Isolation for COVID-19 consists of either five (5) days or ten (10) days depending on the present of symptoms. Day 1 of isolation is counted by the day after symptoms start or after the day of testing positive for COVID-19. Use the CDPH COVID-19 Isolation Calculator to calculate the duration of your isolation.

Ending Isolation: Isolation can end after five (5) days if symptoms have resolved and do not have a fever by testing negative with an antigen or rapid test. If continue to test positive after day 5 or still have symptoms present, isolation must continue for the full ten (10) days.

Regardless of isolation time, wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of ten (10) days, to minimize the risk of spreading the infection. Masking guidance can be found here.

CDPH COVID-19 Isolation Calculator

CalOSHA Isolation & Quarantine Standards

CalOSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards

If you are employed in a facility regulated by CalOSHA, additional return-to-work

testing requirements may apply.

Healthcare Personnel Guidance (AFL 21-08)

K-12 School Guidance

Recently had COVID-19?

People who have had COVID-19 within the past 90 days and recovered should wear a mask indoors in public for at least 10 days after an additional exposure, monitor for symptoms, and consult with a healthcare professional for testing recommendations if they develop new symptoms.

When to Seek Care

Persons in isolation or should seek medical assistance:

If new symptoms develop or their symptoms worsen.
If the infected or exposed person is going to a medical office, emergency room, or urgent care center, the facility should be notified ahead of time that the person is infected with or has been exposed to COVID-19; the person should wear a mask for the clinical visit.
Any one of the following emergency warning signs signal a need to call 911 and get medical attention immediately:
- Trouble breathing.
- Bluish lips or face.
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
- New confusion or inability to arouse.
- New numbness or tingling in the extremities.
- Other serious symptoms