Many people wonder if there is a legal requirement to self-isolate if they catch COVID-19. Currently, there is not a law or other government order that requires quarantining after a positive test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued recommendations for those who are currently ill and for those who are exposed to COVID-19. Their guidance is not legally binding.

For information related to taking time off work to isolate or quarantine, please see the Employment page of this guide.

People who travel to Texas are not required by law to quarantine or self-isolate. This is true for travelers who arrive in Texas from other counties. It is also true for travelers who come to Texas from other US states.

In Texas, the law gives certain government entities the power to issue orders for quarantine and isolation. These orders can be issued by local health authorities, the Department of State Health Services, and other government entities. Quarantine and isolation orders can be issued for individual people as well as geographic areas.

Please note, however, that quarantine and isolation orders related to COVID-19 have not occurred in Texas on a widespread basis.

Texas Law

There are many overlapping state and local laws that authorize the enforcement of quarantine, isolation, "stay at home," and "shelter in place" orders that government authorities have the ability to issue. Below we've collected a small number of laws related to enforcing quarantine or isolation orders that may be declared for geographic areas and individual people or groups. The list is not comprehensive.

Though there is debate concerning the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, generally speaking, the federal government has the authority to issue quarantines related to interstate activities as well as entry and exit through the nation's borders. See the CDC's page on quarantine law for more information.

Federal Laws & Rules

Understanding the Law