How Long Does It Take For The COVID-19 To Be Infectious?
COVID-19Common questionHow long does it take for the COVID-19 to be infectious?Get tested 3-5 days after their first exposure. A person with COVID-19 is considered infectious starting 2 days before they develop symptoms, or 2 days before the date of their positive test if they do not have symptoms.
Can an infected person spread COVID-19 before showing symptoms?
An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 2 days before the person has any symptoms or tests positive. People who have COVID-19 don't always have obvious symptoms. A person is still considered a close contact even if they were wearing a mask while they were around someone with COVID-19.
COVID-19 Contact Tracing
How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?
- The incubation period for COVID-19. Given that the incubation period can be up to 14 days, CDC recommends conducting screening testing at least weekly.
Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
How long should I wait to get tested for COVID-19 after being exposed if I am fully vaccinated?
- If you have been fully vaccinated and around someone who has COVID-19 (close contact), you do not need to stay away from others (quarantine), or be restricted from work unless you develop COVID-like symptoms. We recommend that you get tested 3-5 days after your last exposure to someone with COVID-19.
Contact Tracer's Interview Tool: Notifying People About an Exposure to COVID-19
When can someone infected with COVID-19 start spreading the virus?
Researchers estimate that people who get infected with the coronavirus can spread it to others 2 to 3 days before symptoms start and are most contagious 1 to 2 days before they feel sick.
Coronavirus Incubation Period: How Long and When Most Contagious