The CDC is changing its coronavirus guidelines yet again, this time, with some good news.
What We Know:
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After new research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is shortening the recommended quarantine period for people who are exposed to COVID-19. There are now two options to reduce quarantine restrictions from the previously mandated 14-day quarantine.
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The first alternative is to end quarantine after 10 days if a person, who may have tested falsely positive or be an asymptomatic carrier, shows no signs or symptoms of COVID-19. The second option is to end quarantine after 7 days if the individual takes a PCR test, tests negative, and also reports no symptoms.
- Although these options are now available to the public, the CDC warns that shorter quarantine periods do come with a small risk. Dr. John Brooks, the CDC’s chief medical officer for the Covid-19 response, told NBC News, “For the 10-day quarantine, the risk of being infected is about 1 percent. For the seven-day quarantine with a negative test, the risk is about 5 percent.”
- The CDC still recommends those exposed to the virus monitor themselves for the full 14 days if able to do so. With many individuals struggling with financial burdens after multiple shut-downs across the country, isolation impacting mental health, and no federal nationwide relief since April, the CDC understands that not everyone can afford to stay at home.
As the new saying goes…stay positive, test negative!
