See current CDC Quarantine/Isolation guidance.

Effective December 27, 2021 the CDC shortens recommended isolation and quarantine period for the general population. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of COVID-19 transmission occurs early in the course of illness.

If you test positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)

CDC Guidance says:

Everyone regardless of vaccination status

• Stay home for 5 days
• If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house
• Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

It’s best to have a separate room and bathroom for someone sick with COVID-19 but sometimes that’s not possible. Here is what to do when space is limited.

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)

Does the following apply to you?

• Have been boosted
• Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 5 months
• Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months

If so, the CDC guidance is to:

• Wear a mask around others for 10 days
• Test on day 5 if possible

If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home

Does the following apply to you?

• Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 5 months ago and are not boosted
• Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
• Are unvaccinated

If so, the CDC guidance is to:

• Stay home for 5 days. After that, continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days
• If you can’t quarantine, you must wear a mask for 10 days
• Test on day 5 if possible

If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home

How to calculate your 5-day isolation period

If you had COVID-19 and had symptoms, isolate for at least 5 days. To calculate your 5-day isolation period, day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed. You can leave isolation after 5 full days if symptoms have improved or resolved. Pitkin County recommends those discontinuing isolation before day 10 be tested using an antigen test to assess the risk of contagiousness.

Click here for detailed CDC guidance.

School Guidance

If you are in a school setting, please see our guidance for schools. If you have questions please submit them here.

The Omicron Variant

The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society. CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses. These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives. Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director