After more than three years of covering COVID-19, I’ve become a human search engine for friends and family who have questions about the virus. During this ongoing wave of infections, I’ve been struck by how many people are still wondering if, and for how long, they need to isolate themselves if they get sick.

Despite the confusion, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s policy hasn’t changed since late 2021. Its guidance says that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate themselves from others, including those in their household, for at least five full days. After that, to be safe, the agency recommends wearing a mask when around others indoors for an additional five days.

Now that many people have access to at-home tests, however, a pair of negative results received 48 hours apart is the get-out-of-isolation rule many experts swear by. It's a good thing to keep in mind as we head into winter illness season.

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