NEWS
CDC Shortens COVID Quarantine Time
Source: Getty Images
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending a shorter quarantine time for asymptomatic COVID-positive Americans.
Officials with the CDC have shortened the quarantine period for asymptomatic individuals from 10 days to 5 days. According to the Associated Press, the updated guidance is the result of a recent surge in COVID-19 cases due to the new omicron variant. Early research is showing omicron symptoms to be milder but more transmissible – and the number of people becoming infected and needing to isolate is putting a tremendous strain on businesses, healthcare, and airlines.
Today, @CDCgov released updates to shorten the recommended time for #COVID19 isolation and quarantine. People are maximally infectious 1-2 days before symptom onset & 2-3 days after. This science & protection provided by vaccination & boosters informed the updated recommendation. https://t.co/iU7btjjy4K
— Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH (@CDCDirector) December 27, 2021
“Not all of those cases are going to be severe. In fact many are going to be asymptomatic,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told The Associated Press. “We want to make sure there is a mechanism by which we can safely continue to keep society functioning while following the science.”
According to the Associated Press, the change is aimed at people who are NOT experiencing symptoms. People with symptoms or those who develop symptoms during quarantine are urged to stay home.
The CDC is recommending asymptomatic individuals wear a mask for five days following their five-day quarantine period.
