how long should you isolate with covid

The current guidance in 2025 generally recommends isolating for at least 5 days if you test positive for COVID-19. Isolation starts from the day of symptom onset or the day of a positive test if asymptomatic. You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved. If symptoms are not improving, isolation should continue until improvement is seen and you have been fever-free for 24 hours. Even after ending isolation, it is advised to continue taking precautions such as wearing a well-fitting mask around others and avoiding close contact with high-risk individuals for several more days. Some recommend continuing mask use up to day 10. Isolation durations may differ in healthcare settings or for those with severe illness, where longer isolation may be required. The guidance has evolved from earlier longer isolation periods, reflecting higher population immunity and availability of treatments. However, a minimum of 5 days isolation remains a baseline standard to reduce spread to others.