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Isolation & Quarantine

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Isolation & Quarantine

COVID-19 Case Response 

In response to the shifting landscape of COVID-19, our local health department has changed how we follow up with cases. We continue to monitor all incoming reported COVID-19 cases and have tailored our outreach to the needs of the community. If you tested positive for COVID-19, you may receive an automated SMS message from Del Norte County asking you to respond if you would like or if you need assistance. If you need assistance in any way, we encourage you to call us at 707-464-0861. 


Positive Cases

You have received a positive test result for COVID-19. Here's what to do next. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the statewide guidance. 

All persons with COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or previous infection, should:

  • Self-isolate and test as soon as possible to determine infection status. Knowing one is infected early during self-isolation enables (a) earlier access to treatment options, if indicated (especially for those that may be at risk for severe illness), and (b) notification of exposed persons (close contacts) who may also benefit by knowing if they are infected.
  • For symptomatic persons who have tested positive within the previous 90 days, using an antigen test is preferred.
  • Remain in isolation while waiting for testing results. If not tested, they should continue isolating for 10 days after the day of symptom onset, and if they cannot isolate, should wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days.
  • Consider continuing self-isolation and retesting in 1-2 days if testing negative with an antigen test, particularly if tested during the first 1-2 days of symptoms.
  • Continue to self-isolate if test result is positive, follow recommended actions below (Table 1), and contact their healthcare provider about available treatments if symptoms are severe or they are at high risk for serious disease or if they have any questions concerning their care.


Persons Who Test Positive for COVID-19
Recommended Actions
Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, previous infection or lack of symptoms.
  • Stay home (PDF) for at least 5 days after start of symptoms (or after date of first positive test if no symptoms).
  • Isolation can end after day 5 if 1) symptoms are not present or are resolving and 2) a diagnostic specimen* collected on Day 5 or later tests negative.
  • If unable to test, choosing not to test, or testing positive on Day 5 (or later), isolation can end after Day 10 if fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
  • If fever is present, isolation should be continued until 24 hours after fever resolves.
  • If symptoms, other than fever, are not resolving, continue to isolate until symptoms are resolving or until after Day 10.
  • Per CDPH masking guidance, infected persons should wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings (see masking section below for additional information).

*Antigen test preferred.



Close Contacts

You're a close contact to a positive case of COVID-19. Here's what to do next.  For the most up-to-date information, refer to the statewide guidance. 

All close contacts, whether quarantined or not:

Should consider testing as soon as possible to determine infection status and follow all isolation recommendations above if tested positive. Knowing one is infected early during quarantine enables (a) earlier access to treatment options, if indicated (especially for those that may be at risk for severe illness), and (b) notification of exposed persons (close contacts) who may also benefit by knowing if they are infected. If testing negative before Day 3, retest at least a day later, during the 3-5 day window following exposure.

Asymptomatic Persons Who are Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (No Quarantine) Recommended Actions

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

Persons infected within the prior 90 days do not need to be tested, quarantined, or excluded from work unless symptoms develop.


  • Test within 3-5 days after last exposure.
  • Per CDPH masking guidance, close contacts should wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings and when near those at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease (see masking section below for additional information).
  • Strongly encouraged to get vaccinated or boosted.
  • If symptoms develop, test and stay home (see earlier section on symptomatic persons), AND
  • If test result is positive, follow isolation recommendations above (Table 1).


High-Risk Exposures:

Certain exposures may be deemed higher risk for transmission, such as with an intimate partner, in a household with longer periods of exposure, or while performing unmasked activities with increased exertion and/or voice projection or during prolonged close face-face contact (e,g., during contact sports like wrestling, during indoor group singing, during crowded events where cheering occurs like games, concerts or rallies, particularly if indoors). In such cases, exposed persons should be extra vigilant in undertaking recommended mitigation measures.

Similarly, if the close contact is more likely to become infected due to being unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or if they are more likely to transmit the virus to those who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19, they should also take greater care in following recommendations to limit spreading the virus to others during the 10 days following their exposure. These close contacts should get tested, and may consider quarantining or self-limiting their exposure to others, and are strongly recommended to follow the testing and mitigation measures outlined in this guidance.

High-Risk Settings**:

A high-risk setting is one in which transmission risk is high (e.g., setting with a large number of persons who may not receive the full protection from vaccination due to co-existing medical conditions), and populations served are at risk of more serious COVID-19 disease consequences including hospitalization, severe illness, and death. As such, CDPH is recommending the following work exclusions for staff working in these settings to protect the populations served, and maintaining quarantine recommendations for patients, residents and clients served in these settings, consistent with CDC recommendations.

Persons Who are Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Work Exclusion & Quarantine) - High Risk Settings**Recommended Actions

Unvaccinated; OR

Incompletely vaccinated; AND

Not infected with SARS-CoV-2 within the prior 90 days.


Recommendations for staff:

  • Exclude from work for at least 5 days, after last exposure.
  • Work exclusion can end after Day 5 if 1) symptoms are not present and 2) a diagnostic specimen collected on Day 5 or later tests negative.
  • If unable to test or choosing not to test, and symptoms are not present, work exclusion can end after day 10.
  • Comply with CDPH masking guidance (i.e., universal masking and, in some cases, where surgical masks or higher filtration respirators may be required).
  • Strongly encouraged to get vaccinated or boosted.
  • If symptoms develop, stay home and test as soon as possible; AND
  • If test result is positive, follow isolation recommendations above (Table 1).


Recommendations for residents:

  • Quarantine for at least 5 days after last exposure.
  • Quarantine can end after Day 5 if symptoms are not present and a diagnostic specimen collected on Day 5 or later tests negative.
  • If unable to test or choosing not to test, and symptoms are not present, quarantine can end after day 10.
  • Comply with CDPH masking guidance (i.e., universal masking and, in some cases, where surgical masks or higher filtration respirators may be required).
  • Strongly encouraged to get vaccinated or boosted.
  • If symptoms develop, stay home and test as soon as possible; AND
  • If test result is positive, follow isolation recommendations above (Table 1).

**High-Risk Settings include:

  • Emergency shelters and cooling and heating centers
  • Healthcare settings (applies to all healthcare settings not covered by AFL 21.08.8).
  • Local correctional facilities and detention centers
  • Homeless shelters
  • Long Term Care Settings & Adult and Senior Care Facilities

CDPH recommends that while not excluded from work, vaccinated and boosted healthcare personnel working in high-risk settings test immediately upon notification of exposure, and at 3-5 days.

COVID-19 Related Links