After a three-year stretch adhering to strict guidelines for mask mandates, vaccinations, and quarantines over the most intense periods of the coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its recommendations for COVID-19 to align with treatment for other respiratory infections — dropping the previous recommendations to quarantine for at least five days.
While guidelines have eased, the agency still recommends taking safe precautions over a five-day period following infection by limiting close contact with others and masking up in public spaces to lower the risk of spreading the respiratory illness. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 are still directed to stay home until they are free of fever temperatures and symptoms that require medication for at least 24 hours.
As with RSV and influenza, the CDC continues to suggest helpful recommendations to keep people safe and healthy, by practicing proper hygiene such as covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, washing or sanitizing hands often, and “taking steps for cleaner air” by purifying indoor air or bringing in fresh outside air.
In response to the eased restrictions, CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen explained that the country is seeing increased rates of immunity against the viral infection, consequently leaving smaller bumps in transmission, less infections, and a decrease in hospitalizations and deaths from the coronavirus.
“Today’s announcement reflects the progress we have made in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19,” Cohen said. “However, we still must use the common sense 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.”