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"

It is recommended you quarantine at home for 5 days if:

You have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19

You are unvaccinated, or you are not up-to-date on your vaccine and you have not had confirmed 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.

Take Extra Precautions And Monitor Your Health

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

If you are unvaccinated, or you are not up-to-date on your COVID vaccine,  you should stay home for 5 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.

Regardless of vaccination status, you should wear a mask when around others through 10 days after your last exposure to a someone with COVID-19.

Get tested 5 or more days following your exposure, even if you are feeling well.

Watch for cough, fever (100.4°F), shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, you should isolate and get tested for 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 5-day quarantine after exposure to a case.