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If I test positive for COVID-19, how long do I need to stay isolated?

Dr. Ruth Berggren answers your COVID-19 questions

SAN ANTONIOSAQ: I tested positive for the coronavirus and am in self-isolation. How do I know when it’s safe to come out of isolation? Should I be retested?

Doctor Ruth Berggren, Director of the Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, says this depends on whether you show symptoms of the virus.

Patients with symptoms should spend a minimum of seven days in self-isolation. Before coming in contact with others they should also notice a significant difference in symptoms. This includes not having a fever for at least 72 hours.

Asymptomatic patients should remain isolated for 10 days after testing.

You can read more about the recommendations for isolating with COVID-19 on the Centers for Disease Control website.

Click here to watch the full Q&A segments with Dr. Berggren.

Find more answers and ask your own questions on our SAQ page. Watch anchor Steve Spriester ask local leaders your questions weeknights at 6 p.m. on KSAT12 and 9 p.m. on KSAT-TV and KSAT.com. You can also sign up for our free SAQ newsletter to get answers to the most common questions in your inbox.


About the Authors
Alyssa Medina headshot

A San Antonio native currently in her dream job as the executive producer behind KSAT special programming like Fiesta parades, Dia De Los Muertos and the Rodeo special. When she's not prepping for these productions, she's helping run KSAT's social media channels.

Steve Spriester headshot

Steve Spriester started at KSAT in 1995 as a general assignments reporter. Now, he anchors the station's top-rated 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts.

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