Your risk of exposure to COVID-19 is based partly on who you have been in close contact with.
Close contact with people who have COVID-19 means:
- You have been within 6 feet (2 meters) of them for a combined total of 15 minutes, and they were infected at that time.
- Infected people can spread COVID-19 at least 48 hours (or 2 days) before they have any symptoms or have a test done that ends up being positive for COVID-19.
- They can spread the virus for at least 10 days after they first have symptoms or have a test done.
- You have taken care of someone who has COVID-19.
- An infected person coughed or sneezed directly on you.
Note: Even if you're up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines, there's still a chance you can get and spread COVID-19. Talk to your doctor as soon as you can if you've had close contact with someone who has symptoms or a positive test for COVID-19. You will need a COVID-19 test. Wear a mask around other people for a full 10 days. Avoid travel and stay away from people at high risk for serious illness. Watch for symptoms.
Credits
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.