Can I come out of quarantine after a negative test?

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and are not up to day on your vaccinations, you already know that you should quarantine for at least 5 days. But if you get tested, and it’s negative, is it safe to come out early? Unfortunately, it’s not. Here’s why.

Tests are most accurate early in infection

Your viral load is highest when you are early in the infection. A high viral load means a test is more likely to correctly show a positive result. Most people begin to show symptoms 4-7 days after infection. For people sick with COVID, they are most contagious in the first 5 days of illness. 

You can still be infected even if you test negative

So if your test is negative, can you come out of quarantine? The CDC currently recommends quarantining for at least 5 days, regardless of a negative test. False negative tests are common, especially just after an exposure because viral load is low (but rising). The same is true late in infection when viral load is low (and falling). If you test negative after 5 days of quarantine, then you should wear a mask around others for 5 more days, but you can come out of quarantine. If your test result is positive, you should isolate yourself for at least 5 days. After 5 days, you can test yourself every few days and continue to isolate until your rapid test is negative or until day 10 (whichever comes first).

It’s hard for anyone to stay isolated for so long. It’s a good idea, before it happens, to have a plan in place. Make sure you have enough food to last you, or that you know how to get food delivered. Stock up on some books or movies, video chat with your friends and family, and stay active.

Last update: January 7, 2021, 03:18 pm ET

Science review: GSN, JAB, HAY