But if you still test positive after the 10-day period, should you stay in isolation? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasn’t provided specific guidelines for what to do in this situation, but experts broadly say that as long as your symptoms go away, you probably don’t need to self-isolate anymore. Dr. Monica Gandy, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, told CNBC that she was “very comfortable” with an asymptomatic person showing up after five days of isolation, even if they’re still positive. for COVID-19. “Follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask for the next five days,” he said. The incubation period for COVID is said to be two to 14 days, with a person being considered infectious starting two days before they develop symptoms, or two days before the date of a positive test if they have no symptoms. According to current CDC guidelines, people who test positive for COVID-19 are recommended to self-isolate for five days. After that, if their symptoms have improved, they can leave home, but must strictly wear a mask for an additional five days. The CDC previously said people can be positive for up to three months after infection. Some doctors argue that the safest course of action is to remain in isolation until you test negative. However, Dr. Stephen Kissler, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, said it’s not unreasonable to phase out isolation — even if you’re still positive using a rapid test. This is especially true if you are fully vaccinated, symptoms have subsided and you continue to wear a mask. “You might be able to slowly start to reintegrate while still being mindful of your contact,” Kiesler said. If you’re concerned about how long you’ve been testing positive, contact a health care provider for guidance on your situation, the doctor said. If you continue to be positive, is it possible that you are still infectious? A Boston University study found that just 17% of people were likely still contagious six days after the first positive tests. If you’re still positive outside of the 10-day window, it may have something to do with the type of test you’re using. Dr. Alison Aruadi, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, previously said that PCR tests are more likely to continue to pick up the virus after infection. “These PCR tests are very sensitive,” he explained. “They keep picking up dead virus in your nose for sometimes weeks, but you can’t grow that virus in the lab. You can’t transmit it but it can be positive.” If you get vaccinated and get a booster, Arwady says it’s probably not necessary to test several days after exposure, since you’re probably not contagious. “If you’ve been exposed, you’re vaccinated and you’re boosted, I don’t think you need to test, frankly, after about seven days,” he said. “If you want to be extra careful, you can do it at 10, but from what we’re seeing, I’d really consider you in the clear. If you’re not vaccinated or boosted, I’m definitely much more concerned. Certainly, ideally, you’d seek that test at five and I would do it again, you know, at seven, possibly at 10.”
