If a person with COVID-19-like symptoms tests negative on a rapid antigen test, DPH recommends repeating an antigen test in 48 hours. As a result, a person who tests positive on a rapid antigen test, almost certainly has COVID-19 and must follow isolation guidance. Rapid antigen tests have a low rate of false positives. A PCR test is not necessary or recommended to confirm a positive result on a rapid antigen test. If a person tests positive with a rapid antigen test (such as over the counter home tests or rapid tests from schools and testing centers) do they need to get a PCR test to confirm they are positive? There is also setting specific guidance for healthcare workers and long-term care facilities. This guidance replaces all previously issued guidance by DESE and EEC. The guidance for Children and Staff School, Childcare, and Camp settings is the most up-to-date guidance for children and staff in those settings. Have those documents been replaced? What guidance should be followed? The guidance issued for schools and childcares is different than the previously issued DESE guidance for schools and EEC guidance for childcare programs. Schools, childcare, and certain healthcare settings * You are unable to consistently wear a mask due to young age or medical or behavioral condition. For more information, please see CDC COVID-19 Exposure Guidance. If you test positive, follow isolation guidance.
If you were exposed and develop symptoms at any time, isolate and take a test and stay home until you know the result. You must wear a mask any time you are around others inside your home or indoors in public for the 10 days following your exposure, unless you are unable to mask*. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID, you do not need to quarantine as long as you remain asymptomatic, regardless of your vaccination status.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 (exposure precautions) See guidance on return to work, school and childcare, below. While everyone must isolate if they have COVID, individuals may be able to return to childcare, school or a healthcare setting sooner under certain conditions. You may remove your mask prior to day 10, if you have had two negative tests taken 48 hours apart.Īfter you have ended isolation, if your COVID-19 symptoms recur or worsen, restart your isolation at day 0.
Day 5, last day of isolation if asymptomatic or symptoms are improving.Day 0, first day of symptoms OR day the positive test was taken, whichever is earlier.If you were severely ill (were hospitalized) or have a weakened immune system, you should consult your healthcare provider before leaving isolation. Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.*Note: If you have or develop symptoms, continue to stay home, until you have not had a fever for 24-hours without the use of fever reducing medicine and your other symptoms are improving.Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness. If you have an emergency warning sign (trouble breathing persistent pain or pressure in the chest new confusion inability to wake or stay awake pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds), seek emergency care immediately.Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better. Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated.
#Inability to stay awake covid free#
If you are fever free and you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving, you may leave home after 5 days, but you must wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days. Do not leave your home for at least 5 days, except to get medical care. Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care.