Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

Quarantine and Isolation

Quarantine and Isolation
Updated Feb. 10, 2022
Español
Print
Related Pages

Accessible version: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019–ncov/easy–to–read/COVID–19Quarantine–vs–Isolation.html

 

Quarantine Helps Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Quarantine means to stay home.

People who were near someone with COVID-19 may need to quarantine.

People who do not have all of their COVID-19 vaccines must quarantine for at least 5 days.

People who have all of their COVID-19 vaccines do not need to quarantine.

People who were near someone with COVID-19 should get tested.

 

Watch for ways COVID-19 can make you feel sick.

You may need to see a doctor if you feel sick

Stay away from other people.

Stay away from people with other health problems.

Wear a mask when around other people for 10 days.

         

 

Isolation Helps Slow the Spread of COVID-19.

Isolation means to stay away from other people.

People with COVID-19 must stay in isolation for at least 5 days.

People with COVID-19 must stay away from other people.

People with COVID-19 must stay away from people in their home.

 

 

Steps if You Have COVID-19 and Feel Sick

Stay at home when you have COVID-19.

Stay away from other people.

Stay in your own room.

Clean your own room.

Use your own bathroom.

Clean your own bathroom.

Stay home until you feel better.

You  must stay home for at least 5 days.

Tell someone if you are worried about how you feel.

Wear a mask when around other people for 10 days.

 

If You Have COVID-19 and Feel Well

Stay at home when you have COVID-19.

Stay away from other people.

Stay in your own room.

Clean your own room.

Use your own bathroom.

Clean your own bathroom.

You must stay home for at least 5 days.

Wear a mask when around other people for 10 days.

 

Download and Print: Quarantine vs. Isolation pdf icon[44 KB, 4 pages]

Development of these materials was supported by a grant from the CDC Foundation, using funding provided by its donors. The materials were created by the Center for Literacy & Disability Studies, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided subject matter expertise and approved the content. The use of the names of private entities, products, or enterprises is for identification purposes only and does not imply CDC endorsement.

Project funding ended 9/30/2021. All edits after that date are completed solely by CDC.