Amid the rising pressure of COVID-19 cases across the country, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now announced that it will reduce the recommended isolation time for asymptomatic people who test positive for COVID-19, and will update the guidance. People who have come in contact with the virus.
“The Omicron variant is spreading rapidly and has the potential to affect all aspects of our society. CDC’s updated recommendations for the isolation and quarantine balance that we follow regarding the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses You know," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Valensky said in a statement on Monday.
The change in guidance is based on data that shows "most COVID-19 transmission occurs early in the course of the illness, typically 1-2 days before and 2-3 days after the onset of symptoms," according to the CDC.
Guidance for asymptomatic individuals varies greatly depending on vaccination status. Here's what you need to know:
Anyone COVID-19 positive should quarantine for at least five days
The CDC said anyone, regardless of vaccination status, who tests positive for COVID-19 and is asymptomatic should isolate themselves for at least five days, down from 10 days.
If you don't notice any symptoms after five days, the CDC states that you can leave the isolation if you "continue to wear a mask for five days to reduce the risk of infecting others."
However, if fever-like symptoms are present, you should stay home until your fever or other symptoms go away. If your symptoms get better after five days, and you've been without a fever for 24 hours, the CDC said you're free to leave your home.
According to the CDC, a five-day isolation period, followed by wearing a well-fitting mask around others, will reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.
What to do if you are exposed to COVID-19, and unvaccinated or not boosted
If you've been exposed and uninfected, or haven't been fully vaccinated, the CDC now recommends that you quarantine for five days, followed by "use a strict mask" for five days after your quarantine. The guidance also applies to people who are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose of the vaccine -- or more than two months from their Johnson & Johnson vaccine -- but have not yet been extended.
However, if a five-day quarantine is not possible, the CDC said it is "mandatory" that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times, and when around others, for 10 days after exposure.
Fully vaccinated, but still not eligible for a booster
If you were fully vaccinated with either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine within the last six months, or you completed the primary series of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within the last two months, the CDC said you do not need to be quarantined after an exposure; however, you should still wear a mask for 10 days, following the exposure.
No need to quarantine if you are boosted and asymptomatic
If you have received your booster shot, you do not need to quarantine after exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after exposure.
If symptoms occur, the CDC insists that you should quarantine immediately, unless a negative test confirms that the symptoms are not caused by COVID-19.
People who have come in contact are advised to undergo a COVID-19 test about five days after exposure.
The CDC pointed to preliminary data from South Africa and the United Kingdom showing that the vaccine's effectiveness against infection is about 35% for two doses of the mRNA vaccine, while a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose has increased the risk of infection. Vaccine effectiveness has been restored to 75%. ,
“These updates ensure that people can safely continue their daily lives. Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, promote, wear masks and gather in public indoor settings in areas with substantial and high community transmission Do a test before that happens," Valensky said. ,