I've tested positive for COVID-19. Should everyone with whom I have closely contacted be tested too?

Not necessarily. We generally recommend close contacts get tested if they become symptomatic during their quarantine period. If a close contact is worried about asymptomatic infection, they should wait to get tested until 5-8 days after their exposure to a positive case.

The St. Charles County Department of Public Health can help make this determination based on symptoms and will assist in scheduling a test for a close contact if they do develop symptoms. A close contact cannot reduce their quarantine period with a negative test result.

Show All Answers

1. What is mandatory quarantine?
2. What is Isolation?
3. What happens after I receive my quarantine notification?
4. What is the duration of quarantine or isolation for positive cases and close contacts or household contacts to positive cases?
5. Are there any laws that pertain to quarantine?
6. Why do I need to isolate from my household members?
7. If I'm isolated, can I leave my room to do things around the house?
8. What if I test positive and have young children and/or dependent household members for which I am responsible?
9. I tested positive for COVID-19. Do I need to test negative in order to be released from quarantine or isolation?
10. I've tested positive for COVID-19. Should everyone with whom I have closely contacted be tested too?
11. How will I obtain groceries or other necessities if I live alone, or if everyone in my household is quarantined with me?
12. Are there mental health resources available for me during these challenging times?