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The internet is very confusing on this question... when can I return to my bed after 5 days of isolation? I don't want to get my wife sick and recommendations are to still wear a mask up to 10-days. Can I return but wear a mask to sleep for the next 5 days? Should she also wear a mask to sleep? or does it not matter? Please advise. Thx
If a person is infected with a respiratory virus then they should assume they are infectious for at least the next 5 days, in the case of Covid the period of infectiousness may be much longer (could be up to 2 weeks). Wearing a mask (a well-fitting tight weave mask such as a KN95 mask) can further reduce the infectious particles from your exhaled breath, it does not do as much good for persons who are not infected who seek protection (however wearing a mask in public is better than not wearing a mask). If you want to reduce the risk of infection to another person, it is best to isolate yourself until you are asymptomatic in the case of all respiratory viruses. For Covid, the period of infectiousness is more difficult to assess because a person may continue to be infectious even when they have recovered from their symptoms, therefore there is the additional recommendation that if you have access to rapid at-home tests, then you can try and remain isolated until you can demonstrate a negative test. If you don’t have access to test kits, then my general advice is to try and remain isolated for at least 2 weeks. However, some people do not have the luxury of isolation for 2 weeks, due to work or school responsibilities and there is not “mandate” that you remain isolated for these periods of time.
