The CDC Just Cut COVID-19 Quarantine & Isolation Times Based On The Omicron Variant
The recommended quarantine time is now less than a week!
The CDC just shortened the recommended isolation period for people that test positive for COVID-19, as more information comes in about the new Omicron variant.
People who are asymptomatic are now being told to self-isolate for five days instead of the previous 10-day period, the CDC said in a news release on Monday.
After the five days of isolation, the person should wear a mask around others for another five days, the CDC says.
"The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days before the onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after," the CDC said.
"Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for five days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for five days to minimize the risk of infecting others."
The CDC also updated the quarantine protocol for people exposed to COVID-19. The recommendation applies to people who are unvaccinated or who had their second vaccine dose over six months ago without a booster afterward.
The CDC says these people should quarantine for five days after a COVID-19 exposure followed by another five days of "strict" mask-wearing. They should also immediately get tested if they experience symptoms and quarantine until they get a negative test.
"These updates ensure people can continue their daily lives," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a news release.
"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."
Those who are vaccinated and received a booster are not required to quarantine after explosure. However, they should still wear a mask around people for 10 days after the exposure and get tested on the fifth day, the CDC says. They are only required to quarantine while they await negative test results if they develop symptoms at any point.
The news release also explained the latest data on effectiveness of the booster shot. Two doses of mRNA vaccine appear to be 35% effective while a booster brings protection up to 75%, the CDC said. Vaccines also reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death from the virus.