Except in rare cases, the appropriate duration of isolation for COVID-19 patients should be based on a symptom-based strategy that is, on the expected duration that patients will continue to shed the SARSCoV2 virus and thereby remain contagious. The SARS-CoV2 PCR test is not a reliable indicator of this, as these tests may remain positive for up to 3 months, long after the patient is no longer contagious. Use of the test-based strategy for discontinuing precautions is thus discouraged.