Being COVID-19 Positive

• Isolate
• Identify and notify close contacts ASAP, so they can get tested and quarantine.
• If you live in Howard County, call the Health Department COVID line at 410-313-6284, if not called within 24 hours of receiving lab results.
• Contact your health care provider for any medical guidance needed and to ask about treatment options.

• CDC: When to Quarantine
• Isolating a Household/Family Member Who Is Sick
  • El Aislamiento de un Miembro Enfermo en Su Hogar
  • Isolation Guidelines for Households in Korean

Use these tools to help you track the days of your quarantine/isolation. For more information about what quarantine/isolation schedule you may be eligible for, refer to this guidance from the CDC. You can also contact the Health Department at 410-313-6284 for additional guidance regarding your quarantine or isolation.

Quarantine Tracker (Fully Vaccinated with a booster shot/not yet eligible for a booster shot)

Quarantine Tracker (Unvaccinated/not yet received booster shot)

Isolation Tracker

And test positive:

You should isolate for 5 days (longer if symptoms remain) and then wear a mask in public for an additional 5 days, following CDC guidance.

And are a close contact:

People who are fully vaccinated/boosted (or not yet eligible for a booster) do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. However, fully vaccinated people should get tested 5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask indoors in public for 10 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.

People who have not yet received a booster SHOULD stay home for 5 days, if possible, wear a mask in public for an additional 5 days and get tested 5 days after their exposure.

(This virus can cause either mild illness like a cold or can make people very sick with pneumonia.)

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Loss of sense of taste/smell

CDC infographic in English or Spanish.

If you have any of the below emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms above and think you might have COVID, you should:

• Seek medical care if you are experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and tell them about your positive COVID test or suspected diagnosis.
• Stay home except for seeking medical care and avoid contact with others.
• Ask your doctor about Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
• Ask your doctor about Antiviral Treatment

You can also visit the Test to Treat website for locations of local clinics that can provide testing and treatment (medication) for COVID all in one place.  You can also call 1-800-232-0233.

Isolation Guidance

Reporting At-Home Test Results

COVID-19 Treatment Options

The Maryland Department of Health's COVIDConnect is a website for sharing information, promoting action and finding support.

CDC Information about Post-COVID conditions 

CDC Caring for Post-COVID conditions