What should I do if I was exposed to someone with COVID-19?

First, let’s define “exposure.” According to the CDC, an exposure is close contact (less than six feet) to someone with COVID-19 for a “prolonged period of time”. There is no single definition of a “prolonged period of time”. The CDC suggests that a prolonged period is at least 10 minutes.

It can be hard to hear, but you should probably quarantine yourself even after being exposed to healthy-looking people. And it’s super important that you quarantine yourself after being exposed to someone who has COVID-19, even if you saw them in the days before they got sick.

Your quarantine should last 14 days after your exposure. Watch for fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Check your temperature twice a day. If you start to feel sick, call your doctor for advice on what to do next. Many people with COVID-19 can care for themselves at home.

Last update: April 28, 2020, 7:00 PM
Science Review: GSN, ERS, JAB