As the Omicron variant spreads quickly across America and has Covid cases soaring, federal health officials have shortened the recommended isolation period by half.
The move is meant to minimize the increasing disruptions to both the economy and also to people’s everyday lives.
Ten days have been the recommended isolation period for those infected with Covid. That has been cut down to five days now for those without symptoms, as well as those who do not have fevers or have bettering mild symptoms. Those who become infected should wear masks for five days following their five-day isolation period, officials said.
A huge spike in infections has decimated certain industries, causing staff shortages. One prime example has been the travel industry. Thousands of flights were canceled over the past week alone due to staff shortages, completely upending holiday travel. Other industries are coming under strain as well, including healthcare, retail, and hospitality.
Health experts have been quick to warn that the U.S. is merely at the beginning of a quickly moving surge.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed the recommendation on Monday. The CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, said that Omicron is spreading across the country quickly and carries with it potential to impact every facet of society.
Dr. Walensky said that the updated recommendations balance what is known about the spread, as well as protection provided by vaccinations and booster shots.
The CDC stopped short of recommending that infected people should take rapid tests before ending their isolation period, meaning that some could still test positive when they conclude their five days of isolation. Scientists have urged for this measure to be included, saying it would offer much more reassurance that the infected were not continuing to infect others.
The CDC also said that those who are fully vaccinated and have a booster shot and test negative for Covid, do not need to quarantine after being exposed to someone who is infected.
Be the first to comment