The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday shortened the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others.
The CDC said the updated guidance is in keeping with growing evidence that people with the coronavirus are most infectious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.
“Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others,” the CDC said in a statement.
What you need to know:
- For asymptomatic COVID-19 infections, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation to five days, followed by five days of mask-wearing
- If exposed to COVID-19, unvaccinated people or those who are not yet boosted should quarantine for five days, followed by five days of mask use
- Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days
Both updates come as the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the U.S. and reflects the current science on when and for how long a person is maximally infectious, the CDC said.
“The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society,” said the CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, 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.”
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
