Self-isolation
People with symptoms of COVID-19 symptoms should stay home as much as possible to reduce any potential spread of illness. Stay home until your symptoms have improved, your fever is gone, and you are able to participate in your usual activities.
Note: People who work in settings with people at higher risk should consult their workplace-specific policies for guidance.
We have many tools, such as vaccines, treatments and our own actions that can protect us from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as the flu.
Learn about prevention measures, your personal toolkit and risks.Prevention measures
If you have not received a full series of any of the World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccines, you are not fully immunized.
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If you are 18 years of age or older, test positive for COVID-19, and are not fully vaccinated, you need to self-isolate at home for
10 days AND until you no longer have a fever AND your symptoms improve. You do not need to be re-tested for COVID-19 after your self-isolation period ends to return to normal activities; you can remain test positive for many weeks, even after you are no longer infectious.
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If you are under 18 years of age, test positive for COVID-19, and are not fully vaccinated, you need to self-isolate at home for
5 days AND until you no longer have a fever AND your symptoms improve. You do not need to be re-tested for COVID-19 after your self-isolation period ends to return to normal activities; you can remain test positive for many weeks, even after you are no longer infectious.
Consider how you manage other illnesses that you do not get tested for like cold and flu. Stay home if you are feeling unwell and resume your regular activities when you feel you are able to manage them. If you have a fever you should stay home until it is gone without medication.
- Stay home in your own room or a dedicated area in the home as much as possible.
- Do not go to work, school or other public places.
- Do not have visitors inside unless they are home health care providers.
- Have family, friends or a delivery service bring food, medication and other supplies to you.
- Avoid going outside of your home even while you wait for your test results.
- Continue to wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
- You can still do essential chores such as checking your mail, walking your dog, or shovelling your walkway.
While you are self-isolating, keep connected with friends or family virtually or over the phone
Visit our mental well-being page to learn more about mental well-being support services offered in B.C.
If you have non-health-related questions about support services, call Service BC at 1-888-268-4319 (available 7:30 am-8 pm, 7 days a week)
If your symptoms are severe (e.g., difficulty breathing), call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency department.
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