The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Friday that individuals who test positive for Covid no longer need to isolate for five days. The new guidance aligns with public health recommendations for flu and other respiratory illnesses, advising individuals to stay home when sick and return to normal activities once they are feeling better and fever-free for 24 hours.
This change comes as Covid cases have seen sustained decreases in severe outcomes since the start of the pandemic, and many individuals are not actively testing themselves for the virus. CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen emphasized the importance of this shift during a media briefing, citing a significant decline in hospital admissions and deaths related to Covid over the past couple of years.
The decision to update the isolation guidelines for Covid to align with other respiratory illnesses has been supported by public health experts like Dr. David Margolius from the city of Cleveland. The goal is to reinforce the message that regardless of the viral infection, individuals should stay home when sick and return when they are no longer contagious.
Experts, such as Dr. Kristin Englund from the Cleveland Clinic, believe that this new guidance will not only help in curbing the spread of Covid but also other respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV. While the decision may face criticism, particularly in light of the recent surge in hospitalizations, health officials believe that the pandemic is in a different phase now compared to previous years.
Although the CDC has lifted isolation guidelines, they still recommend taking precautions for five days after symptoms improve, such as wearing masks around vulnerable individuals and improving indoor ventilation. The agency also suggests that individuals at higher risk for severe Covid complications should take additional precautions.
The new guidance applies to the general public and does not include isolation recommendations for hospital settings, which typically require a 10-day isolation period. Additionally, the CDC advises adults 65 and older to get a booster shot of the Covid vaccine this spring in preparation for a possible uptick in cases later in the year.
As Covid continues to circulate alongside other respiratory viruses, health experts stress the importance of vaccination, proper hygiene practices, and ventilation to reduce the spread of the virus. The CDC’s main tips for minimizing Covid transmission include getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and improving indoor ventilation.
In conclusion, the updated CDC guidelines reflect the evolving understanding of Covid and other respiratory illnesses, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Erika Edwards, a health and medical news writer for NBC News and “TODAY,” contributed to this article.