The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is discontinuing its 5-day isolation protocol for COVID-19 patients.
The agency issued the news on Friday, following indications last month that the policy change was in the works.
Until now, those who tested positive were advised to stay at home for at least five days to decrease the risk of transmitting the coronavirus to others. The CDC is now replacing it with generic advice for anybody who has a fever, sneezing, or coughing due to a respiratory infection.
“Today’s announcement reflects the progress we have made in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19,” CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a statement. “However, we still must use the commonsense solutions we know work to protect ourselves and others from serious illness from respiratory viruses — this includes vaccination, treatment, and staying home when we get sick.”
Covid-19 is generating fewer hospitalizations and fatalities than it did in the early years of the epidemic. The modification is an attempt to simplify guidelines so that they are consistent with long-standing advice for the flu and other respiratory infections. According to authorities, many patients with a runny nose, cough, or other symptoms are not tested to determine whether it is Covid-19, flu, or something else.
This recommendation may not be as rigorous as it formerly was, but it does underscore that all persons with respiratory symptoms should stay at home when unwell, according to Dr. David Margolius, Cleveland’s health department director.
According to the CDC, the amended guidelines will contain special considerations for those who are at higher risk of respiratory diseases, such as adults over the age of 65, immunocompromised individuals, persons with impairments, and pregnant or recently pregnant women.
The agency also states that the new recommendation solely applies to community settings. The recommendations for preventing the spread of Covid in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings remain unchanged.
The guideline pertains to common respiratory diseases and should not replace specialized recommendations for viruses that require particular containment precautions, such as measles.