2 COVID Vaccines Approved, End to Pandemic in Sight??

[Merlin]

So if your test is negative you still cannot spend Thanksgiving with your dad?

That is sad.

I agree, that is sad, but it is the responsible thing to do.

The problem is you need to wait at least 5-7 days (7 is recommended) after any potential exposure before getting a diagnostic PCR or antigen test. Testing before that has a higher probability of false negatives as the virus takes a while to incubate and reproduce enough to be detectable. On average this takes 5-6 days post-exposure, but it can take as long as 14 days in some cases. This is also why the 14-day self-quarantine is recommended. An infected individual may be contagious a day or two before they develop symptoms––though some people don't develop noticeable symptoms at all despite being contagious.

It is usually recommended to get a PCR test after 7 days, and if negative, get a second one after 14 days. If both are negative then people are cleared to leave quarantine and return to work or whatnot.

In @eriehiker's case, testing before 7 days after exposure is likely to provide a high possibility of false negatives. That likely means the first test will fall on or around Thanksgiving, and the results from that could take a day or two (antigen tests take under an hour, but are less accurate). A second test would still be required 14 days after exposure to confirm a negative result. However, it is still possible to be contagious after 3-4 days, even if there are no symptoms. So, staying in quarantine while awaiting test results is prudent.