Ask a Doctor: When can self-isolation after COVID-19 safely end?

Staff photo by Troy Stolt / Dr. Paul Hendricks, Health Officer for the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department, speaks during a press conference in Golley Auditorium at the Hamilton County Health Department on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, in Chattanooga, Tenn. It was announced during the Press conference that the second and third cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in Hamilton County had been confirmed. Staff photo by Troy Stolt / Dr. Paul Hendricks, Health Officer for the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department, speaks during a press conference in Golley Auditorium at the Hamilton County Health Department on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, in Chattanooga, Tenn. It was announced during the Press conference that the second and third cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in Hamilton County had been confirmed.

By Dr. Paul Hendricks April 20, 2020 2 min read

Question: My wife has COVID-19, but her symptoms are much better. When can she safely leave the home knowing she won’t infect others?

Answer: For the safety of both your wife and others in the community, it is important to observe minimum periods of self-isolation to prevent further spread of the virus. The conditions for ending home isolation are different depending upon whether or not she expects to be retested to determine if she is still contagious.

If your wife will not be tested as her symptoms improve, she can only leave home safely if all three of the following conditions are satisfied:

* She is free of fever for 72 hours (three full days) without the use of medication.

* All other symptoms have improved.