(Fwrd Axis) — The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Monday they are shortening the isolation requirements for those who test positive from Covid-19 from 10 days to five days.
The CDC said for people who are asymptomatic, isolation for five days plus an additional five days of wearing a mask when around others are recommended.
“Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for five days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for five days to minimize the risk of infecting others,” the CDC said in a statement.
Additionally, the CDC also recommended those who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose and not yet boosted should quarantine for five days.
“The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society. CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.
The revised guidance comes amid a spike in Covid-19 cases due to the highly contagious Omicron variant.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced last week the state is shortening the isolation period to five days for frontline workers.
“These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives. Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather,” Walensky added.
