Skip to main content Skip to site navigation

San Mateo County Health

Helping everyone in San Mateo County live longer & better lives.
Menu
Search

Prevent Household Transmission of COVID-19
One of the most important ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to protect others in the same household from contracting the virus

Post

Have you had:

  • Symptoms of COVID-19?
  • Close contact (been within 6 feet) of an infected person for 15 minutes?
  • A COVID-19 test (but are still waiting for results), or
  • A diagnosis of COVID-19?
If yes to any of these, then IMMEDIATELY:
1. Call your medical provider
2. Visit this CDC website 
3. MIST!

Mask

Every household member (over 2 years old) should wear a mask, even at home 

Isolate

Stay in a separate room and avoid common areas at home

If possible, use separate bathroom and avoid common areas until:

  • 10+ days since symptoms first appeared AND
  • 24 +hours since the last fever (without fever- medications) AND
  • Symptoms have improved

Self-Quarantine

All household members & close contacts should self-quarantine

Tell your “close contacts” (anyone who was within 6 feet of you for 15 (or more) minutes)

  • You likely were contagious before you knew you have COVID-19. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 2 days before the person has any symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19
  • Contact ANYONE you might have exposed so that they can take steps to be safe
  • Notify your employer

Your “close contacts” should quarantine:

  • If possible, stay in a separate room for at least 10 days after their last exposure (14 days is safer).

Test

Consider testing everyone, particularly:

  • People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • People who are “close contacts” 
  • People who are at higher risk for COVID-19 exposure (those who have traveled, attended gatherings, or been in crowded indoor settings)

To get tested, contact your medical provider or schedule with a community test site:  www.smchealth.org/covid-19-testing

A viral test only tells if you are infected now.  If you test negative and start to feel sick, you may need to get tested again
 
   

Science Facts:

  • Most (70%) transmissions of COVID-19 are from people without symptoms.
  • Incubation Period: After exposure, symptoms develop in 2-7 days generally (up to 10-14 days).
  • People with COVID-19 are most infectious 2 days before and 5 days after symptoms first appear.

Additional Instructions for Isolation or Quarantine:

  • Wash your hands well and often.
  • Open windows to increase ventilation
  • Stay home. Do not go to work, school, public areas.
  • Do not allow visitors into your home.
  • If your symptoms are severe or concerning, call your medical provider or 911.

CDC’s Information for “Living In Close Quarters” for people who share a small apartment, or for people who live in the same household with large or extended families

CDC’s Guidance for Large or Extended Families Living in the Same Household
This document explains how to:
• Protect the household when you leave for errands
• Protect household members at high risk for severe illness
• Protect children and others from getting sick
• Care for a household member who is sick
• Isolate a household member who is sick
• Eat meals together and feed a sick household member