On December 28, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shortened the recommended time for isolation for individuals with COVID-19. If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, the recommended isolation period is shortened from 10 days to 5 days (as long as symptoms have improved or resolved), followed by 5 days of strict mask wearing when around others.
If you test positive for COVID-19 (PCR or home antigen test):
- Stay home for 5 days.
- You may return to school/work after 5 days (on day 6 or later) only if you have:
1. been without fever for at least 24 hours (and without taking fever-reducing medications); and
2. experienced improvement in other symptoms*.
- Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
*If your symptoms have not greatly improved by day 6, continue with your isolation until your symptoms have improved/resolved (including being fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications).
NOTE: It is not required to take a test on day 5 to return to school, but if you do and it is POSITIVE, remain out for the full 10 days of isolation and return to school on day 11. A positive home test indicates that you are still contagious.
Reference: MA.gov About COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine 12/30/21
DESE/DPH Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios - SY 2021-22; updated 12/30/21
