The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains its stance on a 5-day isolation guideline for those who test positive for the virus. [Source]
In late 2021, the CDC set forth guidelines advising individuals who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate at home for a minimum of five days, a halving of the initial 10-day recommendation at the pandemic’s onset.
Recent reports have fueled speculation that the CDC might be reconsidering these guidelines
Despite speculation, the CDC has firmly stated, “No updates to COVID guidelines to announce at this time. We will continue to make decisions based on the best evidence and science to keep communities healthy and safe.”
Some states have already softened their isolation requirements. In Oregon and California, individuals with COVID-19 are not mandated to isolate if they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medications, and their other symptoms are improving. A mask mandate for 10 days post-isolation remains in effect. [Source]
The medical community presents a mixed view, with some professionals advocating for a reassessment of the isolation period. [Source]
Dr. Timothy Brewer, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at UCLA, in an interview with Fox News Digital, stressed the importance of isolation in curbing the spread of respiratory viruses.
“I don’t think the exact number of days matters as much as waiting until the person is feeling better, meaning no fever for at least 24 hours off antipyretic medicines and all other symptoms are improving,” said Brewer.
“Removing the current guidelines is a correct step to helping to restore the work force,” Brewer added.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, commented on the speculations as well. “I think they will be changed and should have been changed a while ago,” Siegel told Fox News Digital.
“The pandemic has been over for several months, and though there was an uptick this winter, it is now diminishing,” said Siegel.
The CDC’s guidelines have faced criticism for not aligning with the practical realities faced by Americans.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert, noted the challenge in demonstrating that strict isolation significantly impacts virus transmission.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. David Margolius, the public health director for the city of Cleveland, and Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease physician at Stanford Medicine, argue for more realistic and practical public health policies that the public is more likely to follow.
This story is still developing…