Based on CDC guidelines, people who get coronavirus should be quarantined for 14 days. After the 14-day quarantine, patients can stop isolating themselves under the following circumstances: 

  • If a test is available: Patients must take two negative coronavirus tests 24 hours apart and no longer have a fever or other symptoms such as coughing. 
  • If no test is available: Patients can exit isolation when they have gone 72 hours without a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and when other symptoms have improved. 

If the above circumstances are not met, the patient should continue to quarantine themselves beyond the initial 14 days. 

Note: The CDC guidelines are not law, but a suggestion. Assisted living communities may choose to enact their own coronavirus quarantine protocols for the safety of their residents, and there may be varying requirements by local health and safety authorities. 

COVID-19 Update: With social distancing and stay-at-home orders, many seniors are struggling with loneliness and isolation. We’ve developed a list of products that caregivers or seniors can purchase to help older adults stay happy, healthy and connected, whether they are aging in place at home or in an assisted living community.

Additional Coronavirus FAQs