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Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines

Learn what to do if you are exposed to, have symptoms, or test positive for COVID-19.

Free COVID tests from federal government

Starting September 25, U.S. residents may once again request four free COVID tests from the federal government. Visit https://www.covid.gov/tests to order tests for your household.

Updated 09/22/2023

If you have symptoms of COVID-19

Stay home if you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay away (isolate) from others, and get tested. Visit our testing page for options.  

If you test positive for COVID-19

  • Stay home until you are free of fever for 24 hours and your symptoms are improving.
  • Avoid contact with people at increased risk for severe disease, including older adults, those at increased risk for severe disease and people with underlying conditions.
  • Wear a mask for 10 days after your symptoms began or after you tested positive. 

See the Oregon Health Authority page for more information. 

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19

  • You do not need to stay home unless you have symptoms. This is new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of August 11, 2022.
  • Wear a high-quality mask around others for 10 days and get tested on day five.  
  • Watch for symptoms for ten days. If you develop symptoms or test positive, stay home, isolate from others and follow the advice above.

If you live or work in a high-risk setting

The CDC guidance above applies to the general population including schools and childcare facilities. Guidance may be different for people who work in high risk facilities like healthcare settings, jails, long-term care and some congregate living settings. Please work with your employer to find out what they are requiring. 

How to prevent home transmission

Watch the video below for helpful information to prevent virus spread in the home, including:

  • What to do if you can't easily separate from others
  • How to care for an ill person in the home

The CDC also has a helpful website that explains what to do if you are sick or caring for someone with COVID-19