What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?

Quarantine

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Someone in self-quarantine stays separated from others, and they limit movement outside of their home or current place. A person may have been exposed to the virus without knowing it (for example, when traveling or out in the community), or they could have the virus without feeling symptoms. Quarantine helps limit further spread of COVID-19.

Isolation

Isolation is used to separate sick people from healthy people. People who are in isolation should stay home. In the home, anyone sick should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific "sick" bedroom or space and using a different bathroom (if possible). In NY State (NYS), the following definitions apply for quarantine and isolation related to COVID-19:

  • 'Mandatory Isolation' applies to the following persons:
    1. You have tested positive for COVID-19 or
    2. Testing is currently unavailable to you, but you are symptomatic and have had contact with a known COVID-19 case
  • 'Mandatory Quarantine' applies to the following persons:
    1. You have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is currently in mandatory isolation, or
    2. You are symptomatic and have returned within the past 14-days from a country designated with a level 2, 3, or 4 advisory for COVID-19
    3. Example: if a member of your household tests positive, you will be placed on Mandatory Quarantine
  • 'Precautionary Quarantine' applies to the following persons;
    • You are asymptomatic and have returned within the past 14-days from a country designated with a level 2,3 or 4 advisory for COVID-19 or
    • You have been determined to have had proximate exposure with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19

Show All Answers

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?