On April 6, 2020, the San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow issued new orders requiring persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 to isolate themselves and for the close contacts of persons who have tested positive to remain in quarantine for 14 days.

According to the orders, “isolation” is the separation of persons who have been infected with COVID-19 from other persons.

“Quarantine” separates and restricts the movement of persons who, while not yet infected with COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19 and may become infectious. The quarantine order applies to the close contacts of persons who have tested positive and are in isolation.

 “This mass order provides the tools—and the necessary information—for keeping those sick with COVID-19 separated from others and for preventing those exposed to the illness from spreading it,” said Dr. Morrow. “People with no or mild symptoms may have COVID-19 and not know it.”

The legal health orders and full order instructions are available on the County's website. For the latest health updates related to COVID-19, please visit the San Mateo County Health coronavirus website.