What Your Test Result Mean
IF YOUR TEST IS
POSITIVE
The test detected the virus and you have an infection.
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Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home.
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Tell your close contacts.
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Wear a well-fitted mask when around others. If available, a N95 or KN95 respirator is recommended.
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Watch for symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately.
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Tell your healthcare provider. Contact them as soon as possible if:
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Your symptoms get worse.
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You are more likely to get very sick because you are an older adult or have an underlying medical condition. Possible treatment may be available for you.
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You have questions about your isolation.
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IF YOUR TEST IS
NEGATIVE
The test did not detect the virus, but doesn’t rule out an infection.
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If you have a negative test, but have symptoms of COVID-19:
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You may have COVID-19, but tested before the virus was detectable, or you may have another illness, such as the flu.
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Contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your test result, recommendations for quarantine or isolation, or your symptoms, especially if they worsen.
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If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 but were a close contact to someone with COVID-19, and you tested negative 5 days after exposure:
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The virus was not detected. You are likely not infected, but an infection cannot be completely ruled out.
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Follow CDC’s Quarantine and Isolation guidance, including monitoring for symptoms and wearing a well-fitting mask.
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If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and do not have a known exposure to a person with COVID-19:
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You do not need to quarantine.
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