Positive COVID-19 Test

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will need to isolate, even if you don't have any symptoms.  


CALCULATING ISOLATION

If you have symptoms: If you have no symptoms:  
  • Day 0 of isolation is the day your symptoms started, regardless of when you tested positive
  • Day 1 is the first full day after the day your symptoms started


     
  • Day 0 is the day you were tested (not the day you received your positive test result)
  • Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested
  • If you develop symptoms within 10 days of when you were tested, your isolation period restarts at day 0 on the day your symptoms started
 

HOW TO ISOLATE

  • Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.
  • Wear a high-quality mask  if you must be around others in your home.
  • Consider a free COVID-19 Treatment Telehealth Appointment. Free antiviral treatments are available to help prevent you from becoming seriously ill, hospitalized, or dying. You must be able to take this treatment within five days of your symptoms starting.
    • Due to this short amount of time, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services offers telehealth services to quickly connect with a clinician who can determine if you are eligible for this treatment and prescribe it.
    • If you test positive for COVID-19, use this service as soon as possible, even if your symptoms are mild.
    • These antiviral treatments are free and available at over 600 pharmacies in the state. Insurance is not required.
    • Learn more  and call (833) 273-6330 to get started.
       

ENDING ISOLATION

If you have symptoms: If you have no symptoms:
  • End isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms are improving.
    • If you were moderately sick with COVID-19 (had shortness of breath or difficulty breathing), you should isolate for at least 10 days.
    • If you were severely sick with COVID-19 or have a weakened immune system, you should isolate for at least 10 days. Talk to your doctor before ending isolation.
  • Take precautions through Day 10 (see below).
  • End isolation after 5 full days after your positive test. If you develop symptoms after testing positive, your 5-day isolation period should start over. Day 0 is your first day of symptoms.
  • Take precautions through Day 10 (see below).





     

Take precautions through Day 10, regardless of whether you had symptoms:

  • Wear a high-quality mask for 10 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public. People who cannot wear a mask, including children under 2, are strongly encouraged to isolate for 10 days. You may be able to remove your mask sooner with two negative rapid tests that you take 48 hours apart.
  • Do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms.
  • Avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick  from COVID-19.