U.S. CDC Cuts Quarantine Rule To FIVE (5) Days If Positive And Asymptomatic

Health authorities in the United States on Monday (27th December 2021) shortened the recommended time for isolation for asymptomatic Americans with COVID-19 to five (5) days from the previous guidance of ten (10) days.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also said that people who test positive after quarantining should follow five (5) days of wearing a mask when around others. The CDC noted last week that the Omicron variant already accounts for 73% of U.S. infections.

The CDC on Monday also gave guidance for people who are unvaccinated or are more than six (6) months out from their second mRNA dose or more than two (2) months after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and not yet boosted. It recommended quarantine for those persons for five (5) days followed by strict mask use for an additional six (6) days.

Meanwhile, individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for ten (10) days, the CDC said.

Breakthrough infections are rising among the fully vaccinated U.S. population, including those who have had a third booster shot. However, Omicron appears to be causing milder symptoms in those people, some of whom have no symptoms at all.

White House Medical Adviser, Anthony Fauci, told CNN last week that reducing the CDC’s 10-day quarantine recommendation would help asymptomatic people return to work or school, with proper precautions.

This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

[Source: Reuters]