What is something that feels like good news but maybe isn’t?
On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new guidelines about self-isolation for people who test positive for COVID-19 — meaning they can do less of it.
Specifically, the recommended isolation period for people who have tested positive but are asymptomatic has been halved from 10 days to five. The CDC says that if you’re not showing symptoms, instead of isolating or quarantining for those last five days, you should wear a mask when you’re interacting with other people. The guidance also recommends similar times for people who have been exposed to confirmed cases but are unvaccinated or have not yet received a booster shot, adding that if quarantine is not possible, exposed contacts should wear a mask around others at all times for the full 10-day period.
“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,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “These updates ensure that people can safely go about their daily lives.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci called the changes “measured,” telling CNN they would help people return to work more quickly after an infection or exposure.
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But the updated guidance comes amid a new wave of COVID cases. On Tuesday, the US recorded an unprecedented seven-day average case count of 254,496, as the highly transmissible Omicron virus variant spreads rapidly across the country and the Delta variant continues to account for a significant portion of cases.
So, understandably, many people feel a little nervous about any withdrawal of precautions designed to keep people who are or may be contagious from spreading the virus.
And as is often the case, this angst manifested itself in part as a Twitter meme. Cue an avalanche of users claiming that the CDC says a lot of terrible ideas are cool and good, actually.
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On a more serious note, some experts have questioned the wisdom of allowing a shorter period of isolation or quarantine without requiring a negative test before infected or exposed people are released back into the world. While there are real problems with getting a PCR or even a rapid home test in time in areas across the US, recommending that people at least TRY confirming a negative result before leaving for work, brunch, or a NYE party feels like a no-brainer.
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The CDC’s recommendations are based on the latest available science, and you should absolutely continue to follow the experts’ guidance when it comes to keeping yourself and others safe as we head into the third year of the pandemic. But if you find the vibrations uncomfortable, feel free to take whatever extra precautions you want.
