Quarantine and isolation helps protect the public by preventing contact with people who have or may have COVID-19. CDC’s COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation (Q&I) Calculator is easy to use and tells you what to do if you have tested positive for COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms or are a close contact.
What is the difference?

Quarantine
Quarantine and stay away from others when you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Isolation
Isolate when you are sick or when you have COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms.
K-12 Schools

CDC Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools
This resource describes everyday preventive actions that schools and child care programs can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Community Levels
This resource provides an integrative county view of key data for monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

Isolation (Positive Test) Guidance for School (PDF)
This poster provides guidance for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals that have tested positive in schools.
Quarantine
IF YOU Were exposed to COVID-19 and are NOT up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations |
Quarantine for at least 5 days Stay home Wear a well-fitted mask if you must be around others in your home Get tested |
After quarantine Watch for symptoms Avoid travel If you develop symptoms |
Take precautions until day 10 Wear a mask If you must travel during days 6-10, take precautions. Avoid being around people who are at high risk
|
IF YOU Were exposed to COVID-19 and are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations |
No quarantine Get tested |
Watch for symptoms If you develop symptoms |
Take precautions until day 10 Wear a mask Take precautions if traveling Avoid being around people who are at high risk |
IF YOU Were exposed to COVID-19 and had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test) |
No quarantine |
Watch for symptoms If you develop symptoms |
Take precautions until day 10 Wear a mask Take precautions if traveling Avoid being around people who are at high risk |
Isolation
IF YOU Were exposed to COVID-19 and had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days (you tested positive using a viral test) |
Stay home for at least 5 days Wear a well-fitted mask if you must be around others in your home. Do not travel.
|
Ending isolation if you had symptoms Ending isolation if you did NOT have symptoms If you were severely ill with COVID-19 or are immunocompromised
|
Take precautions until day 10 Wear a mask Do not travel Avoid being around people who are at high risk
|