In general, it isn’t necessary to take another test after self-isolating for up to five days and strictly masking for another five days unless your employer or school requires it.

The combined minimum of five ten days of self-isolation and five days of strict masking covers the time period when most people are infectious.

Please note, it’s still possible to test positive for COVID, but to no longer be infectious.

To cover the time period when most people are contagious, the CDC and the Hawai‘i State Department of Health recommend:

  • Isolate for at least 5 days
  • After you’ve isolated for 5 days, you can end isolation if:
    • You have no fever for 24 hours without taking any fever-reducing medicines
      AND
    • Your symptoms are improving
  • If you have a fever and/or your symptoms have not improved, please remain in isolation

After you end isolation, please strictly mask for another 5 days – meaning ALWAYS wear a well-fitting N95 (or equivalent) mask WHENEVER you’re around anyone else.

For more detailed information, please visit the DOH Isolation and Exposure Guidelines.

If you have concerns specific to your health situation, please consult your doctor.

Sources: : https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine-isolation-background.html (CDC)
https://hawaiicovid19.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Summary-Guidance-for-COVID-19-Cases-and-Contacts.pdf (DOH)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html# (CDC)

Updated 08/16/2022