You’ve had a close contact or positive test

If you’ve had close contact, or potential exposure, with someone who has tested positive or is sick with COVID-19, you may have the virus. You can lower the risk of spread by staying away from others, especially those at high risk of getting very sick. Follow these steps for testing and mask wearing.

If you don’t have symptoms but tested positive for COVID-19, you should stay home and away from others for at least 5 days. Day 0 is when you first tested positive. You can come out of isolation at day 6. 

You should wear a well-fitting mask any time you have to be around others until day 11.

If you have symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19, stay home and away from others for at least 5 days. Day 0 is when your symptoms started.

After 5 days (on day 6 or later), you can leave home when:

• You have had no fever for the last 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications
• Your symptoms are getting better

You should wear a well-fitting mask any time you have to be around others until day 11.

Before day 11, you may remove your mask around others only if you have two negative rapid antigen tests at least one day apart. If the antigen test results remain positive, you may still be infectious and should continue wearing your mask through day 11.

Sometimes your symptoms can get worse after they have improved. If this happens, you should take another antigen test. If it is positive you should stay away from others for another 5 days.

Taking a COVID-19 medicine does not change the time you should stay home and away from others. 

If you have symptoms but haven’t yet tested for COVID-19, it is recommended to stay home and away from others until you get tested. Test as soon as possible.

You should wear a well-fitting mask any time you are around others.

If you use a rapid antigen test within the first 1 or 2 days of feeling sick and it’s negative, you should:

• Continue to stay away from others
• Test again 1 or 2 days later

If the 2nd test is also negative but you’re still feeling sick, consider repeat testing every 1-2 days and staying home until you feel better.

If you test positive at any time while feeling sick, you should stay home and away from others and follow the guidance above.

You may be eligible for COVID-19 medicines if you are at high risk of severe illness. Find out how to get early treatment.

Most people with COVID-19 do not need to be hospitalized. For questions about your symptoms, call your doctor. If you don't have one, get a health appointment.

These are emergency warning signs that you need urgent medical help:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or dizziness
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

If you experience these symptoms, call 911 and tell them you have COVID-19.

Find other COVID-19 services and resources from the City and County of San Francisco.

Follow guidance from your employer. State law requires that your employer keep you from working while you are infected with COVID-19.