Trevor James
The definition of a close contact is someone who has spent more than 15 minutes of face-to-face contact within 2 metres of someone who has COVID-19, lived in the same house or shared accommodation, or sat within 2 seats of someone with COVID-19 on public transport. If you are a close contact and have received a vaccine, you may not need to restrict your movements or quarantine, but you should still get tested and wear a mask when around others. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should isolate and seek medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of close contact | Face-to-face contact within 1-2 meters for more than 15 minutes with a person with COVID-19 |
| Living in the same household as a person with COVID-19 | |
| Working closely in the same environment as a person with COVID-19 | |
| Sitting within 2 seats of a person with COVID-19 on public transport or an airplane | |
| Testing and quarantine requirements for vaccinated close contacts | Testing is recommended 5 days after exposure or at the first sign of symptoms |
| Vaccinated close contacts do not need to quarantine unless they fall into specific groups, such as those who are not up to date with recommended vaccine doses | |
| General guidelines for close contacts | Wear a well-fitting mask around others |
| Avoid congregate settings, limit public activities, and practice social distancing | |
| Avoid using public transportation | |
| Travel restrictions for close contacts | Cannot return to the US until cleared from isolation or quarantine |
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What You'll Learn
Quarantine and isolation guidelines
If you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should quarantine or isolate, depending on your vaccination status, the timing of your last infection, and whether or not you develop symptoms.
Close contact means that you have had face-to-face contact within 1 metre or were in a closed space for more than 15 minutes with a person with COVID-19. This contact should have happened while the infected person was still "infectious", i.e., from 2 days before to 10 days after their symptoms began.
If you are fully vaccinated and boosted, no quarantine is recommended. However, you should monitor yourself for symptoms and get tested if they develop. If you tested positive for COVID-19 with a viral test within the last 90 days and subsequently recovered and remain without COVID-19 symptoms, you do not need to quarantine or get tested after close contact. However, you should wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact.
If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you should quarantine for 5 days and monitor yourself for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, you should get tested and isolate until you receive your results. If your test is positive, you must continue to isolate. If you choose to forego testing, you must quarantine for 10 days.
Regardless of your vaccination status, if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should avoid group settings, limit public activities, and practice social distancing. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. If you need to seek medical care, call ahead and inform the doctor that you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask or face covering before entering the facility.
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Close contact definition
The definition of a "close contact" is someone who has been within 6 feet of a person infected with COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes over a 24-hour period, regardless of whether a mask was worn. This definition was provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which also states that exposure to an infected person starts from two days before they first show symptoms or two days before an asymptomatic person tests positive.
The risk of exposure increases if no masks are worn, and other factors that influence the likelihood of close contact include proximity, location, and duration of exposure. For example, being in close contact with an infected person indoors for long periods of time increases the risk of exposure, especially if the infected person is coughing, sneezing, singing, or shouting, as more respiratory droplets are released.
Close contacts are advised to get tested at least five days after their last exposure or at the first sign of symptoms. If symptoms develop, close contacts should isolate for at least five days and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Close contacts are also advised to wear a mask or face covering when around others, including pets, and before entering a healthcare provider's office. They should also avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Fully vaccinated individuals who are close contacts and develop COVID-19 symptoms should get tested and isolate at home until their results come back. If the test is positive, they should continue to isolate.
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Testing requirements
- If you are fully vaccinated and have received all recommended doses, including boosters, you do not need to quarantine or get tested unless you develop symptoms. However, it is recommended to wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact.
- For those who have received only one vaccine dose, it is recommended to isolate for 14 days from your last contact with the positive case. You should get tested immediately and again on day 12. You can end isolation after 14 days if you have a negative test result and no symptoms.
- If it has been less than two weeks since your second vaccine dose when you were exposed, you must still isolate for 14 days and follow the testing guidelines for unvaccinated individuals.
- If you are unvaccinated, the CDC recommends quarantining for 5 days, wearing a mask for 10 days, and avoiding high-risk individuals.
- In certain high-risk settings, such as healthcare or correctional facilities, individuals may be required to quarantine and get tested regardless of vaccination status.
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the previous 90 days and have recovered without symptoms, you do not need to quarantine or get tested after close contact. However, wearing a mask around others for 10 days is advised.
Regardless of vaccination status, if you test positive for COVID-19, it is recommended to isolate for at least 5 days from the time of your test or the start of your symptoms. Wearing a mask in public settings for an additional 5 days after isolation is also advised. Monitoring your symptoms and seeking medical care if they worsen is crucial, especially if you are at higher risk for severe illness.
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Travel restrictions
The travel restrictions that apply to you will depend on your vaccination status, your destination, and the current COVID-19 situation in your area. Here are some key points to consider:
- Domestic travel within the United States: As of May 2024, there is no mandate from any airline requiring a COVID-19 vaccination for domestic flights within the US. However, the CDC still recommends that everyone be fully vaccinated before travelling. No proof of vaccination is required for these flights.
- International travel to the United States: All non-US citizens and non-US immigrants travelling to the US by air are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with limited exceptions. A COVID-19 viral test is also required before travel, regardless of vaccination status. For fully vaccinated individuals, the test must be conducted no more than 3 days before departure.
- International travel from the United States: The US does not prohibit its citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents from travelling abroad based on their vaccination status. However, your destination country may have its own requirements for entry, which can include proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. These requirements can change frequently, so it is important to stay updated.
- Other vaccine requirements: Depending on your destination, you may need to get other recommended or required vaccines, such as the yellow fever vaccine. Some countries in South America and Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated against yellow fever when travelling to any areas where there is a risk of acquiring the infection. It takes up to 10 days to be protected against the yellow fever virus after receiving the vaccine.
Please note that these guidelines are subject to change, and it is important to stay informed about the latest travel restrictions and recommendations from official sources.
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Vaccination and protection
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. While being fully vaccinated does not guarantee that you won't contract the virus, it significantly reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines work by teaching your body to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, helping to build up your immune system.
Even if you are fully vaccinated, it is still possible to be infected with COVID-19, especially with new variants like the Delta variant. However, breakthrough infections, which occur in vaccinated individuals, tend to be milder and less likely to result in hospitalization or death. It's important to stay vigilant and continue following public health guidelines, such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and practicing good hygiene.
If you are fully vaccinated and have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you may still need to take certain precautions. In some cases, you might be required to quarantine or isolate, especially if you are experiencing symptoms or have not received a booster shot. Recommendations may vary depending on local guidelines and your specific vaccination status, so it's important to stay informed about the latest public health advice in your area.
For those who are at higher risk of severe disease or have weakened immune systems, additional precautions may be necessary. This includes individuals who are older, pregnant, or have underlying medical conditions. Staying up to date with vaccinations, including booster shots, is crucial for maintaining protection against COVID-19. The CDC recommends that most adults aged 18 and older receive a COVID-19 booster shot to maintain high levels of protection.
If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines. Close contact is generally defined as face-to-face contact within a certain distance (1-2 meters) for at least 15 minutes or sharing a closed space with an infected person. If you are vaccinated, you may not need to quarantine or restrict your movements, but it is still advisable to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and monitor yourself for any symptoms. Testing is typically recommended a few days after exposure or at the onset of symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you are still considered a close contact if you have been vaccinated. Close contact means that you have had face-to-face contact within 1 metre or were in a closed space for more than 15 minutes with a person with COVID-19.
If you are a vaccinated close contact, you do not need to restrict your movements or quarantine. However, it is recommended that you wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days from the date of your last close contact and get tested at least 5 days after your last close contact.
If you develop symptoms or test positive, you should isolate from others and follow the recommendations for people with COVID-19, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding indoor or crowded places.
No, you do not need to see a doctor unless you develop symptoms. If you need to seek medical care for other reasons, call ahead and inform them that you are a close contact.
