If you have tested positive, you are required to isolate for at least 5 days from your onset of symptoms, or from the date of your test if you had no symptoms. If you tested positive on an at-home COVID test please submit your results HERE.
If you are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, contact your health care provider for treatment options that may be available to you. Treatment must be started early to work, so don’t delay, even if your symptoms are mild! If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can call 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869) or submit an online form to be evaluated for treatment. All New Yorkers are eligible regardless of income or health insurance coverage. Learn more here.
Release from Isolation
When you meet the requirements for release from isolation, complete the Affirmation of Isolation form. This along with your test results serve as your legal documentation for work and school absence or for New York Paid Family Leave COVID-19 claims.
Important Instructions for COVID-19 Positive Individuals
Isolate yourself at home.
Do not leave the house unless you have been instructed to visit a health care facility. You can end home isolation if these three conditions are met:
- It has been at least 5 days since you first experienced symptoms or tested positive if asymptomatic;
- You have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, and;
- Your symptoms are improving.
If you have a severe case of COVID-19 (you were admitted to a hospital and needed oxygen), or if symptoms persist you should contact your healthcare provider to determine if you should isolate for longer.
Notify close contacts.
Please notify all individuals you had close contact with from 2 days before you started having symptoms (or 2 days before your positive test if you have no symptoms) so that they may begin to quarantine. Learn more about quarantine requirements here.
Avoid contact with other household members.
This especially applies to those who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness (elderly or immunocompromised individuals and those with respiratory problems:
- Wear a disposable face mask to protect others from contaminated respiratory droplets that enter the air when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay in a separate room with a separate bathroom, if possible.
- Maintain at least 6 feet distance from others.
- Avoid sharing personal household items such as dishes, eating utensils, cups, towels, or bedding.
- Avoid contact with household pets if there are others living with you and the pets.
- Keep all ‘high-touch’ surfaces clean. This includes doorknobs, tabletops, telephones, and even your computer and keyboard.
Practice good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene.
- Avoid touching your eyes and mouth.
- Dispose of tissues after coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.
Monitor your symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen. Signs of serious illness include trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, or difficulty staying awake.
If you are older than 65, or you are immunocompromised or have an underlying chronic health condition, you have a higher risk of developing more severe COVID-19 illness. Follow the same practices as everyone else, closely monitor your symptoms, and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen.
If you require medical attention or have questions related to your personal health care, please follow up directly with your primary care provider. You should avoid public transportation. If you do not have a primary care provider, the following resources can help you to find one:
- Upstate: 315.464.4842
- St. Joseph’s Health: 1.888.785.6371
- Crouse Health: 315.479.5070
If you experience a medical emergency or need immediate medical attention, please dial 911 for help, and notify them that you have tested positive for COVID-19.
Should I get tested again for COVID-19 before going back to work or school?
If you have recovered after testing positive for COVID-19, you may continue to test positive for three months or more without being contagious to others.