
Isolation
Isolation is used for individuals who are infected with COVID-19, even if they don’t have symptoms.
Isolation is separating people who have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 from those who are not infected. This helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. Isolate if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Precaution
Precaution is used for individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 through close contact.
Precaution If you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 or have been told by a healthcare provider or public health authority that you were exposed, here are the steps that you should take, regardless of your vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection. Learn how COVID-19 spreads and the factors that make risk of spread higher or lower.
A tool to help you determine if you need to isolate or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
Essex County Health Department follows NYSDOH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) contact tracing guidance during times of high community spread which means you may not get a call from a county or state Case Investigator or Contact Tracer.
Take the actions described below depending on your own situation.
If you performed an at-home self-test, report your positive result using the form below.
When you complete this form & click Submit you will automatically receive an email Isolation Notification.
Note:
- If the test was done in any way other than an at-home self-test, you do not need to report it to the Essex County Health Department. All tests other than at-home self-tests are reported by the testing provider up through the NYSDOH system and Essex County Health Department receives these results automatically.
- You do not need to request an Isolation using the I Need an Isolation Order tab since you will receive it automatically by submitting your self-test (below).
- You can use the I need an Isolation Release tab to get an emailed Isolation Release if you need a Notification of Isolation Release.
Isolate for at least 5 day from others in your home. Wear a well-fitted mask if you must be around others in your home.
Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive test.
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- Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test specimen was collected.
- Take precautions until day 10
Wear a mask
Wear a well-fitted mask for 10 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public. Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask.Avoid travel
Avoid being around people who are at high risk
If you were moderately or severely ill with COVID-19 you should isolate for at least 10 days.
Ending Isolation Precautions for People with COVID-19
If you need an Isolation Order and have not been contacted by the Essex County Health Department or the NYSDOH yet, you can complete & submit the form below.
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- You will automatically receive an email Isolation Notification. This is what you can forward on to your employer as documentation of your need to isolate & not go to work.
- You can use the I need an Isolation Release tab to get an emailed Isolation Release.
- If you performed an at-home self-test, report your positive result to the Essex County Health Department. Once you submit your at-home self-test form you will automatically receive an Isolation Order email & don’t need to complete the form below.
- If the test was done in any way other than an at-home self-test, you do not need to report it to the Essex County Health Department. All tests other than at-home self-tests are reported by the testing provider up through the NYSDOH system and Essex County Health Department receives these results automatically.
Isolate for at least 5 day from others in your home. Wear a well-fitted mask if you must be around others in your home.
-
- Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive test.
-
- Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test specimen was collected.
- Take precautions until day 10
Wear a mask
Wear a well-fitted mask for 10 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public. Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask.Avoid travel
Avoid being around people who are at high risk
If you were moderately or severely ill with COVID-19 you should isolate for at least 10 days.
Ending Isolation Precautions for People with COVID-19
- If you need an Isolation Release, complete an Isolation Release form (next tab) when you have met the criteria for release from isolation.
- Notify your close contacts, who may need to self-quarantine and should be tested (see the Quarantine tab).
If you need a Isolation Release notification, you can complete and submit the form below.
- You will automatically receive an email Isolation Release. This is what you can forward on to your employer as documentation of your release & ability to return to work.
For more information about how to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19, visit the New York State Department of Health Coronavirus website at www.health.ny.gov/coronavirus or call the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline: 1-888-364-3065.