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COVID-19: What to do if you or someone in your home is sick?

Separate a Household Member Who is Sick

If you need to share a bedroom with someone who is sick, make sure the room has good air flow.

Provide a separate bedroom and bathroom for the person who is sick, if possible. If you cannot provide a separate room and bathroom, try to separate them from other household members as much as possible. Keep people at higher risk separated from anyone who is sick.

If possible, have only one person in the household take care of the person who is sick. This caregiver should be someone who is not at higher risk for severe illness and should minimize contact with other people in the household.

Identify a different caregiver for other members of the household who require help with cleaning, bathing, or other daily tasks.
If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other family or household members.
Open the window and turn on a fan to bring in and circulate fresh air if possible.
Maintain at least 6 feet between beds if possible.
Sleep head to toe.
Put a curtain around or place other physical divider (e.g., shower curtain, room screen divider, large cardboard poster board, quilt, or large bedspread) to separate the ill person’s bed.
If you need to share a bathroom with someone who is sick, the person who is sick should clean and disinfect the frequently touched surfaces in the bathroom after each use. If this is not possible, the person who does the cleaning should:
- Open outside doors and windows before entering and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the area.
- Wait as long as possible before entering the room to clean and disinfect or to use the bathroom.
- If you are sick, do not help prepare food. Also, eat separately from the family.

COVID-19: Consider the risks before you go out

Will my activity put me in close contact with others?

Practice social distancing because COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with others.
It’s important that you and the people around you wear a cloth face covering when in public and particularly when it’s difficult to stay 6 feet away from others consistently.
Look for physical barriers, like plexiglass screens or modified layouts, that help you keep your distance from others.
Use visual reminders—like signs, chair arrangements, markings on the floor, or arrows—to help remind you to keep your distance from others.

Do I practice everyday preventive actions?

Continue to protect yourself by practicing everyday preventive actions, like monitoring yourself for symptoms, not touching your face with unwashed hands, washing your hands often, social distancing, disinfecting surfaces, wearing cloth face covers, and staying home if you are sick.

Will I have to share any items, equipment, or tools with other people?

Choose places where there is limited sharing of items and where any items that are shared are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses. You can also choose to visit places that share, post, or announce that they have increased cleaning and disinfection to protect others from COVID-19.

Will I need to take public transportation to get to the activity?

Public transit can put you in close contact with others. When using public transportation, follow CDC’s guidance on how to protect yourself when using transportation.

Does my activity require travel to another community?

Before considering trips outside your community, consult CDC’s travel considerations.

If I get sick with COVID-19, will I have to miss work or school?

If you are sick with COVID-19, stay home. Also find out about your work or school’s telework or sick leave policy.

Do I know what to do if I get sick?

Know the steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick.