No Need To Isolate For 14 days, CDC Cuts Recommended Coronavirus Isolation, Quarantine Citing Omicron Spread
New Delhi: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in an updated guidance has mentioned that Americans who are infected with the coronavirus and show no symptoms or whose symptoms are improving only need to isolate for five days,
They should still wear a mask for the next five days, and if they have a fever, they should stay home until the fever resolves, the agency said. The guidance applies to everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
Previous guidance stated that those who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 10 days.
“The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said in a statement. “CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses. These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives.”
The CDC shortened the isolation period for health care workers last week, allowing asymptomatic people to return to work after seven days with a negative test. The time frame can be cut even more to accommodate staffing shortages, the agency said.
Additionally, the agency on Monday shortened quarantine time for those who were exposed to the virus.
“For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days,” the agency said. Alternatively, if a five-day quarantine isn’t possible, the individuals should wear a mask for 10 days.
Those who have received a booster shot or completed their primary shots less than six months ago do not need to quarantine but should wear a mask for 10 days.
The CDC said the updated guidance reflects “science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.”
The relaxing of the guidance comes as omicron sends coronavirus cases in the U.S. surging. Some businesses, including airlines, have said that isolation and quarantine are leading to staff shortages.
The Delta Airlines CEO wrote to the CDC last week to request shorter isolation periods, saying that the 10 days of isolation could “significantly impact our workforce and operations.”
However, the president of the country’s largest flight attendants union told CNBC that shortening the time frame is the “wrong move.”
President Joe Biden was asked earlier Monday if he supported shortening the isolation period for coronavirus cases. He indicated he was open to the idea, saying that he would follow recommendations from his medical team.
