The process of separating people who have an infectious disease from those who do not. This is a traditional public health practice and helps prevent the spread of infections in the community.

Researchers estimate that people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2, are most contagious one to two days before they develop symptoms or become ill.

Also see self-isolation, quarantine, and self-quarantine.

TIP: Isolation and quarantine mean two different things and are not to be used interchangeably.

 

Categories:

Infectious Disease Prevention

Cross-reference:

Containment measuresSelf-isolationQuarantineSelf-quarantineSARS-CoV-2