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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reduced its recommended time for isolation and quarantine for individuals that test positive for COVID, or that were exposed to someone that contracts the virus. The CDC’s new recommendation is in part based on the virus’s transmission time before and after onset of symptoms.
The CDC advises those who test positive for the virus to isolate for five days, previously ten days. It also advises a five day quarantine for those unvaccinated, or who are not boosted with their final Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over six months ago, or Johnson & Johnson over two months ago.
However, the CDC does not give a recommendation on quarantine time for those exposed to the virus that are asymptomatic, and that have either received a booster, are fully vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna within six months of exposure, or with Johnson & Johnson within two months of exposure.
The CDC’s recommends mask wearing in all three cases for at least five days after isolation or quarantine. A statement from CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, encourages individuals to continue getting vaccinated, boosting, masking indoors, and testing.
The changes may also be in part due to the rise in cases with the omicron variant causing staffing shortages in several industries, including hospitals and airlines.