Can someone who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others, even if they are not showing symptoms. That is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others. Individuals who have tested positive must wear a mask when they cannot social distance while isolating.

Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others. Current CDC Guidance for When It Is Acceptable to Release Someone From Isolation is made on a case by case basis and includes meeting all of the following requirements:

  • Patients with mild to moderate illness who are not severely immunocompromised:
    1. At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
    2. At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
    3. Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved
  • Patients with severe to critical illness or who are severely immunocompromised:
    1. At least 10 days and up to 20 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
    2. At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
    3. Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved
    4. Consider consultation with infection control experts
    5. If asymptomatic: Transmission-based precautions may be discontinued when at least 10 days and up to 20 days have passed since the date of their first positive viral diagnostic test

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1. Is there a travel advisory for New York State?
2. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
3. Can I get tested for COVID-19?
4. Can COVID-19 be prevented?
5. Who is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?
6. Can COVID-19 be treated?
7. Can someone who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others?
8. What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
9. What is antibody/serology testing, and can I be tested using this method?
10. Can recovered COVID-19 patients donate plasma?
11. What is the NY State guidance for cloth face coverings?
12. What is the NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidance for face coverings in the workplace?
13. What cleaning products should I use to protect against COVID-19?
14. Should I use soap and water or a hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19?
15. What temperature kills the virus that causes COVID-19?
16. Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including restaurant take out, refrigerated or frozen packaged food?