What To Do If Exposed

If you are exposed to someone who has COVID-19, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself and those around you.

Graphic icon of two people, one expelling viral particles. Text reads "Within six feet for 15 minutes or more." Graphic icon of two people with one expelling viral particles; text reads "Within six feet for 15 minutes or more"

Quarantine at home for 14 days if:

You have been within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more.

You have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, excluding people who have had COVID-19 within the past three months.

What Counts As Close Contact?

How do I know if my exposure to COVID-19 qualifies as close contact?

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1. You were within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more.

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2. You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.

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3. You had direct physical contact with a person with COVID-19.

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4. You shared eating or drinking utensils with a person with COVID-19.

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5. A person with COVID-19 sneezed, coughed, or got respiratory droplets on you.

Stay Home And Monitor Your Health

Quarantining yourself at home after exposure can greatly reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Graphic icon of a house; text reads "Quarantine 14 days at home." Graphic icon of a house; text reads "Quarantine 14 days at home."

Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.

Watch for cough, fever (100.4°F), shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.

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If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

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Call ahead before visiting a doctor to ensure a safe, easier experience.

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Cover your coughs and clean your hands often to prevent spreading germs.

The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention and the Tennessee Department of Health recommend a 14-day quarantine after exposure to a case. Acceptable shorter alternatives include: 1) if you do not have any symptoms, quarantine can end after Day 10 or 2) if you do not have symptoms and if you test negative by PCR or antigen test after Day 5 quarantine can end after Day 7.