COVID: When am I not contagious?

The Quarantine Zone
1

Yeah…I’ve Googled this but the answers are all vague (probably intentionally so).

I tested positive for COVID on Monday (and was actually sick the day before but tested on Monday). I was sick for 3-4 days and today (Thursday) I am feeling much better if a bit wiped out. Nothing a good night’s sleep can’t fix.

I tested myself again (just minutes ago) and it was a clear negative. No COVID.

So, can I go out in public again? Hang out with friends and so on without risking infecting anyone or, am I still contagious? (assume I shower and wash my clothes)

If I am contagious, how much longer should I isolate?

2

I’d give up on the weekend. You’ll be tired early. Don’t need to stress out the system to cause a relapse.

Take it easy.

3

The CDC revised its guidance on this regarding COVID earlier this year, to bring it in line with its guidance for other respiratory infections.

4

That fits with what I did when I had Covid a couple of months ago. I knew I had it on the Thursday, and by Sunday felt like I was recovered, if exhausted, so could return to normality on Monday.

5

I’d suggest that you consider yourself contagious for at least a full week after your symptoms are gone.