If you or your child has tested positive for COVID-19

With the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, we have seen a dramatic rise in COVID-19 positive tests in patients of all ages throughout the country. In order to provide guidelines for safe social conduct, we have compiled a list of medical recommendations for parents with a COVID-19 positive child or family member in your household. 

If possible, ISOLATE the positive individual for 5-7 days. When possible, limit their activity to a single bedroom and a single bathroom living arrangement. Food and beverage should be consumed in isolation. Utensil, cups, water bottles, and towels should not be shared with the rest of the household. Consider washing all hand towels and using paper towels for everyone to minimize spread of the virus. 

All exposed household members who are vaccinated do not need to quarantine but should wear a well fitting mask inside and outside of the home at all times for a minimum of 10 days. It is recommended that all household members stay home for the first 2-3 days due to the CDC’s announcement that the “majority of COVID-19 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after symptoms appear.”

5 days after the positive test result, all exposed household members should be tested for COVID-19, even if they don't have symptoms. A PCR test or a rapid at-home test is useful for this screening.  

Complete care for your child's COVID-19 positive condition consists of the following:

• Isolate for 5-7 days
• No symptoms (fever, chills, cough, body aches, fatigue, other) for at least 24 hours
• When possible, a negative PCR test or rapid at-home test on day 5

After their isolation is complete, they should continue to wear a well fitting mask inside the home for a full 10 days after the initial positive test result.