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We are still trying to figure out how long people with COVID-19 are contagious. The best estimate as of late 2020 is that it’s about 10 to 14 days after your symptoms resolve. Unlike many similar illnesses, it appears that many people are contagious even if they don’t have fever or symptoms. COVID-19 can last 7 to 14 days. So expect to be home for at least a week. As of late 2020, public health districts recommend isolation until 10 days after symptoms resolve. This is much longer than most illness requirements that require employees or children to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to work or school. It’s important to follow these recommendations, to reduce the rate of infection in your community. If you need a work or school note that lasts beyond what the ER doc wrote, call your primary care office or contact the public health district where you live.
