Skip to main content

How to count days in isolation when testing positive for COVID-19

Please see below Public Health guidelines for counting the number of days in isolation when testing positive for COVID-19. These guidelines have not changed.

The day that someone tests positive for COVID-19 is considered Day 0. This includes positives by Lateral Flow Test (LFT) or by PCR.  

Example 1:   

Day 0 (January 1) – Person tests positive on lateral flow January 1st. Report positive result to www.exploregov.ky  

Day 1 (January 2) – Attends a LFT Confirmation PCR Testing Site and takes a PCR test.   

Day 7 (January 8) – If fully vaccinated, attends Public Health PCR exit isolation testing clinic.   

Day 10 (January 11) – If partially or unvaccinated, attends Public Health PCR exit isolation testing clinic.   

Example 2:   

Day 0 (January 1) – Person takes a PCR test. (date of collection)   

Day 1 (January 2) – Receives positive PCR test result.   

Day 7 (January 8) – If fully vaccinated, attends Public Health PCR exit isolation testing clinic.   

Day 10 (January 11) – If partially or unvaccinated, attends Public Health PCR exit isolation testing clinic.  

 

SIDE BAR: 

Isolation requirements 

Vaccinated Positives 

  • Fully vaccinated persons who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for 6 days, with a negative PCR test required on day 7 to exit isolation. 

Vaccinated Contacts 

  • Vaccinated persons who are primary contacts of COVID-19 positive persons must conduct daily lateral flow testing for 7 days, but may continue usual activities 

Unvaccinated Positives 

  • Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated persons who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for 9 days, with a negative PCR test required on day 10 to exit isolation. 
  • Unvaccinated children (0-11) isolate based on the vaccination status of parent/guardian 

Unvaccinated Contacts 

  • Unvaccinated persons in the household of a positive must quarantine for 10 days. 
  • If a primary contact is a negative, unvaccinated child (under 18 years of age), they should conduct daily lateral flow tests (LFT) for 7 days. They can attend school if daily LFT results continue to be negative

 

Issued by: Ministry of Health & Wellness (CIG)