Anyone with a positive COVID-19 test result is referred to as a “case.” Cases must stay home until it's safe for them to be around others; this is called isolation. They should not leave their home for any reason except to seek emergency medical care.
People who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate away from others for a minimum of 5 days.
The criterion for ending isolation depends on the positive case's symptoms:
If you were severely ill with COVID-19 or are immunocompromised, you should isolate for at least 10 days and, if possible, consult with your doctor before ending isolation.
Please note: this guidance is for the general population and not intended for healthcare workers and certain high-risk congregate settings. Healthcare workers that have tested positive for COVID-19 can visit this website for additional guidance for additional guidance. If you work or attend a day care or a high-risk congregate setting (e.g., nursing home, correctional facility), you may need to isolate for a total of 10 days.
All lab-confirmed positive COVID-19 test results are reported to public health authorities. These cases are entered into the state's data systems. If there is a cell phone number associated with the case, they will receive an automated text message from public health that reads:
"IDPH COVID: There is important info for you. Call 312-777-1999 or click:
https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/confirmed-or-possible-covid-19.html"
Currently, C-UPHD is only reaching out to individuals aged 50 and older to complete a case investigation interview. All other individuals seeking to complete a case investigation interview can reach us at 217-531-4934 or via email: coronavirus@c-uphd.org. This phone number and email can be used for general COVID-related guidance, questions, and requests.
Persons who test positive using an at-home test should follow the Isolation Guidance above. People who test positive with an at-home/rapid/self-test will not be monitored by CUPHD and will not be issued a release letter. As a courtesy, CUPHD has created a replacement letter that can be presented to employers, workplaces or schools so long as the positive case can attest to 1) they have followed public health guidance for isolation and 2) can confirm their test date with their workplace/school. Click here to download the letter.
It's important to remember that rapid antigen tests are not a substitute for other COVID-19 precautions, such as vaccines, proper masking, and handwashing
A close contact as an individual who is not up to date with their vaccinations against COVID-19 and was within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period anytime from 2 days before symptom onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the case is isolated. (For definitions of close contacts in a school setting, please see IDPH's School Guidance). These "close contacts" should quarantine, or as an alternative to exclusion, schools may permit close contacts who are asymptomatic to be on the school premises if the exposure occurred during the school day while the contact and case were fully masked and the contact tests negative while adhering to the Test-To-Stay Procedures.
Whether or not a person needs to quarantine depends on if they are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
Individuals who are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines are people who:If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, please read the specific COVID-19 vaccine primary series and booster recommendations for you.
If someone has an exposure to someone with COVID-19 and they are not up to date on their COVID vaccines, they should follow the quarantine guidance below:Individuals (vaccinated or not) who tested positive in the last 90 days also do not have to quarantine after an exposure. Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay away from others if symptoms develop and consult with a healthcare provider to discuss next steps.
For a simple graphic of what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed to someone with COVID-19, click here.