CDC Shortens Recommended COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Period

What’s the story?

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday announced that it’s shortening the recommended isolation and quarantine periods for people who have tested positive for, or been exposed to, COVID-19 given the nature of the Omicron variant.
• CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement:

“The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society. 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. Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather.”

If you test positive (Isolation)

• Stay at home and isolate for 5 days. If you have a fever, stay home until your fever resolves. 
• If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house. 
• Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
• This guidance applies to everyone regardless of their vaccination status.

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)

If you have received a COVID-19 booster, or completed the primary doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines within the last 6 months, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine primary dose within the last 2 months: 

• Wear a mask around others for 10 days and take a COVID-19 test on day 5, if possible. 
• If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.

If you completed the primary doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over 6 months ago and aren’t boosted, or the Johnson & Johnson primary dose more than 2 months ago and aren’t boosted, or you’re unvaccinated:

• Stay home for 5 days. After that, continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
• If you can’t quarantine you should wear a mask for 10 days, and take a COVID-19 test on day 5 if possible.
• If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: iStock.com / MicroPixieStock)