With widespread testing available in Middlesex
County, it is possible to determine if you have COVID-19, even if you are asymptomatic. Asymptomatic means there are no symptoms
despite having been exposed to a disease. You are considered asymptomatic if
you:
- Have recovered from an illness or condition and
no longer have symptoms
- Have an illness or condition (such as COVID-19)
but do not have symptoms of it
Here are some frequently asked questions for
asymptomatic individuals that get tested for COVID-19.
I did not have symptoms but was tested for
COVID-19 and my test is negative. Is there anything I should do?Asymptomatic individuals who test negative
should continue to take preventive measures to protect yourself and others by
washing your hands often, avoid close contact, cover your mouth and nose with a
cloth face cover when around others, and cover coughs and sneezes.
I did not have symptoms but was tested for
COVID-19 and my test is positive. Is there anything I should do?Asymptomatic individuals whose test comes back
positive should stay home and away from the public for at least 10 days from
when you were tested. If you were a contact to a suspected or
positive case when you were tested you can be released as soon as you have
completed 10 days from the date of your test even if this is before your
quarantine period is over, as long as you remain symptom-free.
I did not have symptoms when I tested positive
for COVID-19 but I developed symptoms during my isolation period. Do I have to
stay in isolation for longer?The clock resets if you develop symptoms during
your isolation period. If you develop symptoms you have to stay isolated at
home for at least 3 days (72 hours) after recovery, which means your fever has
resolved without the use of fever-reducing medications and there is improvement
in your respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND at least
10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
If you were a contact to a suspected case and
were in quarantine when your symptoms developed you can be released as soon as
you recover and at least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
even if this is before the end of the 14 day quarantine period.