- What happens after a positive test?
- If I don’t have symptoms, why won’t you do a second test to confirm that the first was not a “false positive?”
- How long will I have to isolate after a positive test?
- I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 infection; how soon do I need to be tested again?
- What is a “close contact?”
- I’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive; how long do I need to self-quarantine?
What happens after a positive test?
A positive PCR test has implications for both that individual and their close contacts. Here’s what happens in each case.
| I have no symptoms. | Isolate for at least 5 full days after first positive test. Then wear a well-fitting mask at all times around others for an additional 5 days. |
| I have symptoms of COVID-19. | Isolate for at least 5 full days after symptom onset and until fever free for at least 24 hours. Then wear a well-fitting mask at all times around others for an additional 5 days. |
| I am a close contact, and I am: |
|
In all cases, if you tested positive on your own home test or a test taken outside of MIT Medical, you should report your positive test result in Covid Pass or on Atlas.
August 30, 2022
If I don’t have symptoms, why won’t you do a second test to confirm that the first was not a “false positive?”
Public health authorities consider a positive PCR test to be a true positive, so a subsequent negative test would not change the requirement for isolation. Research has shown that infected individuals may be asymptomatic but still able to spread the virus.
December 21, 2021
How long will I have to isolate after a positive test?
At least 5 days. If you are:
- Asymptomatic: Isolate for 5 days after the first positive test. Then wear a well-fitting mask at all times around others for another 5 days,
- Symptomatic: Isolate for at least 5 days after symptom onset or until you have been fever free for at least 24 hours, whichever is longer. Then wear a well-fitting mask at all times around others for another 5 days,
January 11, 2022
I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 infection; how soon do I need to be tested again?
Once you’ve tested positive for the virus, you do not need to be tested again for 90 days from symptom onset, if you became ill, or from the date of your positive test, if you remained asymptomatic.
However, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 during that three-month period, and if clinicians cannot identify another cause for these symptoms, you may need to be re-tested at that time.
January 21, 2021
What is a “close contact?”
The CDC defines a “close contact” as “someone who was within six feet of an infected individual for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.”
October 21, 2020
I’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive; how long do I need to self-quarantine?
If you have a known exposure to the virus, CDC guidelines require that you wear a high-quality mask or respirator for the next 10 days any time you are around others inside your home or indoors in public spaces. You should be tested at least 5 days following the date of your exposure and, regardless of the results, continue masking for 10 days. If you develop symptoms, you should self-isolate and be tested as soon as possible.
August 30, 2022
