What You Need to Know After Having COVID-19

NOTE: Having COVID-19 does not give you 100% protection in the future. You may still get it again.

This information is about people who tested positive for COVID-19, or were told by their doctors or other health care provider that they had it.

No matter when you had COVID-19:

You should always wear a face covering and stay six feet apart from others in public places. This helps stop the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, such as flu.
You should still get vaccinated. See the COVID-19 Vaccine page for more information.

If I test positive for COVID-19, how long am I protected from getting it again?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers most people to be protected from getting COVID-19 again for up to 90 days after testing positive for the virus. However, some people can still get sick again or spread the virus during this time. Even if you have recovered, it is recommended that you still wear a face covering and stay six feet away from people who do not live with you.

For Up to 90 days after I have had COVID-19...

Can I get together with people from outside of my household after having COVID-19?

Although it is unlikely for people to get COVID-19 again for up to 90 days after they were infected, some people can still get sick again or spread the virus during this time. Even after you have had COVID-19, you should continue to follow guidelines for face coverings, and keep a distance of six feet from others. Doing so stops the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, such as flu. Any limits placed on social gatherings by the governor should also be followed. Read about the latest statewide guidance on the Overview of Stay Safe MN.

If I get COVID-19 symptoms, do I have to stay at home and away from others?

If you develop symptoms, you should stay home until you feel better. It is unlikely that you would have COVID-19 again within 90 days of first getting the virus, but you could have some other illness, such as flu, that you could spread to others. If you have questions about your symptoms, call your provider. If you are waiting to see a doctor or another health care provider about your symptoms, stay home and away from others (isolate) until you have had your appointment.

Do I have to stay home for 14 days if I have close contact with someone with COVID-19?

Usually, you do not need to stay at home for 14 days (quarantine) if you tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days and you are exposed to the virus again. See Close Contacts and Tracing: COVID-19.

I get tested regularly for COVID-19 for my job or other program. Should I keep getting tested?

Most of the time, routine testing is not recommended for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days. People who work in health care settings and some other workplaces may have different guidelines. Talk to your employer or administrator about employment requirements.

If it has been more than 90 days after I have had COVID-19...

I have been identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19. Do I need to quarantine or get tested again?

If it has been more than 90 days since you tested positive for COVID-19, you should stay at home if you are exposed again. Contact your doctor or other health care provider to see if you should get tested again. For more information, see Close Contacts and Tracing: COVID-19.

I have symptoms of COVID-19. Do I need to isolate or get tested again?

Yes, you should stay home until you feel better or until your cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms are better, and it has been 10 days since you first felt sick and you have had no fever for at least 24 hours, without using medicine that lowers fevers. If you are waiting to see a doctor or another health care provider about your symptoms, stay home and away from others (isolate). Contact your doctor or other health care provider to see if you should get tested again or if there is another reason for your symptoms. Visit If You Are Sick: COVID-19 to learn more.