Is It Safe to Stop Wearing Masks at Home After a Negative Test?

Q: Is It Safe to Stop Wearing Masks at Home After a Negative Test?

Hello： Since your boyfriend is a confirmed case, according to the current 7+7 quarantine regulations, based on your description, your boyfriend has completed the initial 7 days of home care and can actually end the isolation period, entering the subsequent 7 days of self-health m

Is it okay to not wear a mask at home after testing negative on a rapid test seven days after being diagnosed?

My boyfriend tested positive for COVID-19 on the seventh day, and his rapid test result before bed was negative.
His thought process is: "Starting tomorrow, I can live normally.
I will wear a mask when going out to avoid infecting others, but since I tested negative at home, why should I wear a mask? We can eat together just like before, and there's no need to use separate utensils." We live in a small apartment and share the same space.
I also tested negative at the same time, but I still have concerns.
Therefore, I suggested that my boyfriend continue to wear a mask at home for another seven days.
However, he got angry and told me that if I was worried, I should wear a mask myself, as he doesn't want to wear one at home anymore! Since we live together in a small space, even if we argue, we still have to coexist in the same area, and I don't want to create an unpleasant atmosphere over this issue.
So, I would like to ask the doctor: Is my boyfriend's thinking correct? Is it true that after testing negative on the seventh day of being positive, he can stop all protective measures (wearing masks, maintaining distance, and eating separately) at home with family? I would like to know the correct approach.
Thank you!

Ni, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/06

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine

Hello: Since your boyfriend is a confirmed case, according to the current 7+7 quarantine regulations, based on your description, your boyfriend has completed the initial 7 days of home care and can actually end the isolation period, entering the subsequent 7 days of self-health management.
This mainly involves avoiding crowded places or dining out.
If your boyfriend still has symptoms, it is recommended to perform a rapid test and wear a mask.
If your boyfriend currently has no symptoms and the rapid test is negative, it indicates that he is not very contagious, and he does not need to wear a mask at home.
If you are really concerned about transmission, you can discuss with your boyfriend the possibility of doing a rapid test every two days or daily during the self-health management period; if the results are negative, you shouldn't worry too much.

Reply Date: 2022/06/06

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether it is safe to stop wearing masks at home after a negative COVID-19 test, especially in the context of living with someone who has recently tested positive, there are several important factors to consider.
Firstly, it is essential to understand the timeline of COVID-19 infection and recovery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 should isolate for at least 5 days, followed by 5 additional days of wearing a mask around others. This is because even after a negative test, there is still a possibility of residual viral shedding, which could potentially infect others, especially in a confined space like a small apartment.

Your boyfriend's perspective on returning to normal activities after a negative test is not entirely aligned with current public health guidelines. While a negative rapid test is a good sign, it does not guarantee that he is no longer contagious. The virus can still be present in low amounts, and close contact in a small living space increases the risk of transmission. Therefore, continuing to wear masks, especially in shared spaces, is a prudent measure to protect both of you.

Moreover, the emotional aspect of this situation cannot be overlooked. It is understandable that your boyfriend may feel frustrated by the continued precautions, especially if he feels he has recovered. However, it is crucial to communicate openly about your concerns. You might express that your desire to continue wearing masks is not just about distrust but about ensuring both of your health and safety.
In terms of dining and sharing utensils, it is advisable to maintain some level of caution. Using separate utensils and maintaining distance during meals can further reduce the risk of transmission. The virus can spread through respiratory droplets, and while the risk may be lower when both individuals are asymptomatic, it is not zero.

To summarize, while your boyfriend may feel comfortable returning to pre-infection behaviors after a negative test, it is essential to adhere to public health guidelines that recommend continued precautions in shared living spaces following a COVID-19 infection. This includes wearing masks, maintaining distance, and practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and using separate utensils when possible. Open communication about these practices can help maintain a positive atmosphere in your home while prioritizing health and safety.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that both of you feel safe and comfortable in your living environment. If disagreements persist, consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional together, as they can provide authoritative guidance on the matter.

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