Good news — the numbers of Covid-19 cases are taking a nosedive across the country! However, there’s still a staggering amount of virus spreading in specific places, with more than 100,000 reported cases a day. If you have a current infection, you might be wondering, just how long am I contagious? When is it safe for me to step out and socialize again without risking the health of anyone else?
The answer depends on whom you ask.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can start heading back out into the world again five days after a positive test or the start of symptoms — so long as your symptoms are improving and you continue to wear a mask around others for an additional five days.
However, this guidance comes with caveats and discretion — it’s largely based on data from prior variants and shaped by practical considerations. Meanwhile, emerging science suggests that with the omicron variant, as many as half of the people infected will still be potentially infectious on day five — and some a few days beyond that.
So, how can you know if you’re ready to rejoin the world without potentially infecting others?
How much time has passed? After 10 days, you can consider yourself good to go. There is hardly any transmission after day 10, regardless of the variant.
We also recommend a PCR test — it’s more accurate at the start of an infection, and use a rapid antigen test at the end of your infection. The CDC recommends if you’re negative on a rapid test and don’t have any symptoms, most likely you are in the clear.
Regardless, if you have any doubt, be sure to wear a high-quality mask in public. CVS and other local pharmacies are now giving N-95 masks away for free!
Questions? Give us a call — our agents are ready and waiting to help!
