What should I do if I test positive?

Isolate yourself away from others to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19

If you have a positive COVID-19 viral test (not an antibody test), or have symptoms, you should immediately isolate yourself away from others. Follow instructions about how to isolate and notify your close contacts that they may have been exposed.

COVID-19 treatment is available

COVID-19 treatment can keep you from getting very sick.  Medicine for COVID-19 works best if it is taken within a few days of when you start to feel sick, so it’s important to seek treatment fast. Treatment is available across Colorado, even if you do not have a regular health care provider or insurance.

Learn more: COVID-19 treatments  

Notify your contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19

It’s important to let your contacts know they may have been exposed to COVID-19 so that they can protect themselves and those around them. If you work in a high risk workplace, such as a health care facility or school, let your employer know you have tested positive for COVID-19 so they can implement disease control measures if necessary. 

• People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should take additional precautions for 10 full days after exposure. 

• People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested five days after being exposed, even if they are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. More information on COVID-19 testing can be found here: Testing for COVID-19.

• Anybody who feels symptoms after exposure to COVID-19 should get tested and ask a health care provider about treatment. 

Monitor your symptoms

If you test positive for COVID-19, you should monitor your symptoms for the duration of your illness. People with mild illness may be able to isolate and recover at home without seeing a health care provider.

If your symptoms get worse (e.g., it is hard to breathe), or if you are an older adult or have an underlying medical condition, call a health care provider or nurse line to find out what to do.

• Telehealth and nurse line options.

For immediate assistance, questions, or concerns, please contact the following lines based on your needs: 

• CO Help: For general questions about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), call (303) 389-1687 or (877) 462-2911. Languages to answer questions include English, Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more.
• 2-1-1 Colorado: 2-1-1 is a confidential and multilingual service connecting people to vital resources across the state. Call 2-1-1 or (866) 760-6489 or text your zip code to 898-211.
• Colorado Crisis Services: We provide free, confidential, professional, and immediate support for any mental health, substance use or emotional concern, 24/7/365. Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 to speak to a trained professional.