Isolation and Quarantine Guidance for COVID-19

The Oregon Health Authority Updates Isolation and Quarantine Guidance 

The Oregon Health Authority has adopted the new  quarantine guidance. Quarantine will be paused for the general population in Oregon, including in K-12 and childcare settings. Quarantining after an exposure to someone who has COVID-19 is still recommended in high-risk settings like congregate care settings, jails, shelters and health care settings. 

However, all close contacts should be aware of their potential to become infected and infect others around them.

Here are some definitions to keep in mind:

• Up to date on vaccinations – Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines to see if you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations. 

• Exposure – Being in close contact (within six feet for at least 15 minutes in a 24-hour period) with a person who has recently tested positive for COVID-19.
• Symptoms – COVID-19 symptoms can include shortness of breath, cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.​

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)

• Regardless of your vaccination status, you will need to stay home for 5 days after the onset of symptoms and until 24 hours after the fever is gone, without the use of medication, and symptoms are improving. Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
• If you have no symptoms, you will need to stay home for 5 days after the collection date of the test and continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If an asymptomatic person develops symptoms before the end of their initial isolation period, the 5-day isolation period should restart.
• If you continue to have a fever, stay home until your fever resolves.

If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)

All close contacts, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection with COVID-19 are recommended to:

• Watch for COVID-19 like symptoms for 10 days after their last exposure.
• Stay home and get tested if symptoms develop.
• Wear a well-fitting mask around other people for the 10 days following their last exposure.
• Avoid unnecessary visits with high-risk individuals (e.g., residents of congregate care facilities, persons with immunocompromising conditions, etc.)
• Consider testing approximately five days after their exposure.
• Follow guidance for isolation if they test positive or develop COVID-19 symptoms.

If You Test Positive, Tell Your Close Contacts Right Away

Call, email, or text close contacts as soon as possible. Timing matters! The sooner you let them know, the sooner they can take action to stop the spread.  

Timing also matters when it comes to getting treated for COVID-19.  Ask your medical provider about treatment as soon as you test positive for COVID-19.  For more information visit the COVID-19 Medical Treatments website for more information.