CDC Cuts Covid Isolation Guidelines For Asymptomatic Infections To Just 5 days

At the beginning of the pandemic, when someone tested positive for Covid-19, that person was required to self-isolate for 14 days. Often, people close to that person, such as family members who lived in the same household, would self isolate as well just in case they had Covid since it wasn’t always easy to get a Covid test.

After experts learned more about Covid, the CDC changed the guidelines, reducing the quarantine time to 10 days instead of 14 as well as requiring the individual to take another Covid test.

Now, the CDC’s isolation guidelines have changed yet again. For people with symptoms, nothing has changed, but for people who are asymptomatic, the CDC recommends a period of only 5 days of isolation.

Watch the video below to learn more about this reduced isolation period for people who are asymptomatic, including why the CDC made this change and why they are no longer recommending that asymptomatic people take another Covid test before leaving isolation.

In addition to reducing the quarantine period for people who are asymptomatic, the CDC is also updating the quarantine guidelines for people who are unvaccinated and exposed to someone who has Covid. In a media statement, the CDC explained, “CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure.” These guidelines apply to people who have not been vaccinated as well as those who were vaccinated at least 6 months ago and have not received a booster shot. Those who have received a booster shot do not need to quarantine.

Do you think reducing the isolation period for people with Covid who are asymptomatic is a good idea or a bad idea? If you were asymptomatic, would you take a Covid test before leaving isolation even though it’s not required?