CDC shortens isolation and quarantine times
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By Carmen Ensinger
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)has released new information regarding the isolation and quarantine time for those with COVID-19 as well as those who have been exposed to the virus.
“The CDC is now saying that people with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days,” Greene County Health Department Public Health Administrator Molly Peters said. “If they are asymptomatic or if they are without fever for 24 hours, they should wear a mask for five days when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.”
The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of COVID transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the one to two days prior to onset of symptoms and the two to three days after.
In addition, the CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for anyone in the general public who is exposed to COVID-19.
“For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second dose of the vaccine (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for five days followed by strict mask use for an additional five days,” Peters said. “If this five-day quarantine period 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.”
Those who have been fully vaccinated and who have had their booster shot do not need to quarantine after being exposed. However, they should wear a mask for 10 days after this exposure. It would also be wise to get a COVID test five days after exposure. If any symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
Peters said she is not sure how the updated guidelines will affect school districts.
“I know we still have quite a few questions that need to be answered and we hope that prior to school starting there is more information provided to the school districts,” Peters said. “The IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health) and ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education) share information with the district on what is required so they are waiting on those updates.”
