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Fashion with Mask

What Your Test Result Mean

IF YOUR TEST IS

POSITIVE

The test detected the virus and you have an infection.

IF YOUR TEST IS

NEGATIVE

The test did not detect the virus, but doesn’t rule out an infection.

  • If you have a negative test, but have symptoms of COVID-19:

    • You may have COVID-19, but tested before the virus was detectable, or you may have another illness, such as the flu.

    • 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.

  • 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:

    • The virus was not detected. You are likely not infected, but an infection cannot be completely ruled out.

    • Follow CDC’s Quarantine and Isolation guidance, including monitoring for symptoms and wearing a well-fitting mask.

  • If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and do not have a known exposure to a person with COVID-19:

    • You do not need to quarantine.

Take Steps to Protect Yourself

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