The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its Covid-19 guidance on because, according to the agency, the virus presents a lower risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
While the CDC claims the pandemic is not over, “ it helps us move to a point where COVID-19 no longer severely disrupts our daily lives,” said Greta Massetti, a CDC epidemiologist, in a statement.
According to the CDC, those not up to date on vaccines and have been exposed to Covid, there is no reason to quarantine. It’s recommended to wear a mask for 10 days and get tested on day five.
If testing positive for Covid, guidelines suggest: -Those testing positive and have a healthy immune system, regardless of vaccination status, should isolate for five days. Isolation can be ended at day six if there are no symptoms and no fever for 24 hours.
-Once isolation has ended, the agency recommends wearing a high quality mask through day 10. Testing negative on two rapid antigen tests can allow less time with a mask.
-Until day 11 at least, refrain from visiting or being around people who are high risk or have weakened immune systems. -Those with weakened immune systems or people who were hospitalized before with Covid are encouraged to isolate for 10 days and consult with their doctor before ending isolation. Or are experiencing shortness of breath due to the virus.
The new guidelines allow student to stay in the classroom even if exposed to Covid, with students and school staff masking for 10 days and a day-five test.
Massetti said the decision acknowledges 95% of the U.S. population has some level of immunity against Covid.