Updated August 22, 2022

Sick African American man calling for medical help

Stay Home

If you test positive for COVID-19, assume you are contagious to other people. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, but have not been able to get tested, assume that you are contagious.

Whether you have been vaccinated or not, isolate:

  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves. 
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms improve after 5 days, you can leave your house.
  • Continue to use a well-fitting mask around others for 5 additional days.

If you are immunocompromised or have significant symptoms, isolate for at least 10 days.

Tell your close contacts right away

Call, email, or text close contacts as soon as possible. Timing matters! 

Current science shows that the majority of transmission occurs 1-2 days before and 2-3 days after someone shows symptoms. The sooner you let your contacts know, the sooner they can take action so they don’t spread it to others. 

What to tell close contacts»

Resources for Staying Home

Call 2-1-1 if you need support for isolation or quarantine. 2-1-1 will connect you to organizations that can help with resources you may need (groceries, financial support, help with rent, other essentials). We can help!

If you cannot self-isolate, we will work with you to explore your options. Community resources»

Take Care of Yourself

Stay home and do the things you normally do to feel better: sleep, rest, drink plenty of fluids. 

Call your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Depending on your age or health condition, there may be treatment available. Some COVID-19 treatments must be started within 5 days of onset of symptoms.

Call your doctor or clinic if you are worried that you are not getting better. 

Some people have problems with their lungs, heart, or thinking after the initial illness is over. Talk to your doctor or clinic about how they will monitor you after the first part of your COVID-19 illness.

If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call 211 for help finding one. You can also call the Health Department's Primary Care Clinics at 503-988-5558 to enroll as a new patient. 

What to do if you’re sick»

Call 911 if you have these severe symptoms: 

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or belly 
  • Unable to drink or keep liquids down 
  • New confusion or inability to wake up 
  • Bluish or grayish lips or face

If You Are Employed

Sick leave options, telling your employer, when you can return to work »