Q&A about COVID-19 Exposure and Test Results

My child tested Positive for COVID-19. What should I do?

Positive for COVID-19 and with symptoms:

Based on the Isolation Recommendations from CDPH you/ your child will need to Stay home for at least 5 days. To calculate your 5-day isolation period, day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed. If your child do not have symptoms, Day 0 is the day of your positive viral test (based on the date you were tested) and day 1 is the first full day after the specimen was collected for your positive test.  

Get tested after day 5 if you/your child’s symptoms are resolving (getting better) OR continue to have no symptoms. If the test is negative isolation can end. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days especially in indoor settings. If the test is positive continue to isolate.

If you develop symptoms after testing positive, per CDC’s recommendation your 5-day isolation period should start over. Day 0 is your first day of symptoms. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed.

If you or your child are unable to test or choosing not to test, and symptoms are not present or are resolving, isolation can end after day 10.

If fever is present, isolation should be continued until fever resolves.

If symptoms, other than fever, are not resolving continue to isolate until symptoms are resolving or until after day 10.

Do you have symptoms that are severe or concerning to you that you would like to discuss with a nurse?

• If yes: Add the patient to the queue

• If no: say “Thank you for calling CPCMG. Please remember to seek emergency medical care immediately if you or your child have trouble breathing, have persistent pain or pressure in the chest, has inability to wake or stay awake or is pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds. For more information you can always visit our website at CPCMG.net. You can also send your questions to your health team through MyChart.

My child was exposed to someone with COVID. What should I do?

Based on the Quarantine Recommendations from CDPH, those less than 18 years old and fully vaccinated (2 doses) or those 18 and above who received the booster will not need to quarantine, but you will need to monitor your/your child’s symptoms. The patient will need to wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days especially in indoor settings. In addition, the patient will need to get tested for COVID on day 5.

If the test is positive, the patient will need to isolate.

If symptoms develop, the patient will need to test and stay home.

If you/your child are not vaccinated or if you’re 18 and older and has not received a booster and was exposed to COVID 19, you/your child will need to stay home for at least 5 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.

Get tested on day 5.

If the test is negative and no symptoms develop, quarantine will end

If test is positive you will need to stay at home. If symptoms are not present or are resolving with no fever, isolation can end after day 10.

Did that answer your question, or would you still like to talk to a nurse?

• If patient wants to talk to a nurse: Add the patient to the queue

• If they don’t need to talk to a nurse: Say ““Thank you for calling CPCMG. Please call us again if you have symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Remember to seek emergency medical care immediately if you or your child have trouble breathing, have persistent pain or pressure in the chest, has inability to wake or stay awake or is pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds. For more information you can always visit our website at CPCMG.net. You can also send your questions to your health team through MyChart.

My child tested positive for COVID. When can I get vaccine and is it safe?

Once recovered from their illness and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation, it is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Did that answer your question, or would you still like to talk to a nurse?

I finished my 10 days isolation but I’m still testing positive. Am I still contagious? When will I be negative?

According to CDC PCR tests are so sensitive that they can pick up tiny pieces of the virus long after people are no longer contagious.  This means those who tested positive for covid can remain positive after their isolation.

If symptoms are not present or are resolving, isolation can end after day 10.

Did that answer your question, or would you still like to talk to a nurse?

When can I return to school after COVID-19 exposure or infection?

We expect that the school districts will follow this guidance but directions from schools may vary and may change. Did this answer your question? Would you still want to talk to a nurse?

I would like to request a letter stating that my child can return to school. My child has finished isolation but is still testing positive.

Since the beginning of 2021-2022 academic year, school districts have not required letters from clinicians to clear students ending isolation on quarantine.

However, if a parent remains insistent, send request to provider of the patient or to the last provider who saw the patient. Do not send to triage.