Sick or Test Positive

If You Are Sick or Test Positive for COVID-19

It is important to separate yourself from others (isolate) if you feel sick or test positive, so you do not spread the COVID-19 virus to others. You should follow the recommendations for isolation even if you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and even if you have had COVID-19 in the past since you can get it more than once. It is possible to spread the virus to others even if you are vaccinated or do not have symptoms.

If you feel sick or have any COVID-19 symptoms

  • Get tested right away.
  • Stay home and away from others.
  • Wear a high-quality and well-fitting mask.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.

If you test positive or have symptoms

  • Stay home and away from others (isolate) for at least five full days.
  • Wear a high-quality and well-fitting mask.
  • Avoid contact with other people in your household.
  • Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
  • Try to make the flow of air in your home better.
  • Tell people who had close contact with you.

If you are at high risk for getting ill and you test positive

Contact your health care provider right away to see if you should receive treatment (medication).  Treatment should be started within 5-7 days from the start of symptoms, even if symptoms are mild.

COVIDaware

If you live in Minnesota, test positive, and use the COVIDaware app, you also have the option to enter a verification code in the app to anonymously let other users know you tested positive. This notification allows other people who have the app on their phone to receive an alert letting them know they were exposed so they can take precautions if needed. The app works best if you had it on your phone before you got sick. You can use the app whether you tested positive through a laboratory test or a self-test. For more information about COVIDaware, including how to get a code, visit COVIDaware MN.

Additional Resources