When to End Isolation
Isolation helps to protect the community by preventing exposure to people who have or may have COVID-19.
The policies below reflect Yale’s guidance for faculty, staff and off-campus graduate and professional students. Separate guidelines are available for undergraduate students living on-campus and off-campus.
Dependents are encouraged to follow this guidance but may follow their outside school, employer, or CDC isolation guidance. Healthcare workers should follow their specific workplace guidance. (Note that Day 0 = day of postive test).
Follow these Yale Health guidelines for ending isolation, regardless of your vaccination status:
| Your Circumstance | When to End Self-Isolation |
|---|---|
| You tested POSITIVE for COVID-19 and have symptoms |
At least 7 days (day 0 = day of positive test) have passed since your positive test, AND you have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, AND symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved. Continue to wear a mask at all times for 10 days*. A negative rapid test prior to returning to work is recommended if available, but not required. |
| You tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19 and have some symptoms |
If your provider still suspects that you do have COVID-19, continue to isolate and get retested in 3 or more days from initial test. Otherwise, you can end isolation, and resume normal activities when you have had no fever for at least 24 hours and improvement in other symptoms. |
| You did not have symptoms but tested positive for COVID-19 |
At least 7 days (day 0 = day of positive test) have passed from the date of your positive test as long as you remain free of symptoms. |
Note for healthcare workers: Discontinuation of isolation for healthcare workers may differ and are to be determined by the employer.
Updated August 12, 2022