Coronavirus (COVID-19)

United States Reduces Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Times for COVID-19

CDC shortens recommended Covid-19 isolation and quarantine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reduced the recommended isolation and quarantine for the general population.

This change is because scientists have shown that most SARS-CoV-2 transmission generally occurs within 1-2 days before symptoms appear and 2-3 days after.

People in isolation:

Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 have no symptoms (all people, regardless of vaccination status).

Period of isolation

From 10 days to 5 days in case of not presenting symptoms followed by 5 days using a mask when they are near other people to minimize the risk of infecting other people.

Measures

Stay home for 5 days.
If you have no symptoms or your symptoms resolve after 5 days, leave your home.
Continue to wear a mask when you are around other people for an additional 5 days.
If you have a fever, stay home until the fever resolves.

People in quarantine:

Those people are most at risk of getting COVID-19.

Quarantine refers to when people stay away from others if they are exposed to a disease but are not yet testing positive or showing symptoms.

People most at risk of being infected:

People who are not vaccinated.
People who have more than six months of their second dose of mRNA.
People who are more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine and have not yet received a booster dose.

Quarantine period:

Quarantine for 5 days is recommended followed by strict use of masks for an additional 5 days.

If a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is necessary for an exposed person to wear a tight-fitting mask at all times while around other people for 10 days after exposure.

People who have received the booster vaccine do not need to self-quarantine after an exposure, but must wear a mask for 10 days after exposure.

Measures

Wear a mask at all times while around other people for 10 days after exposure.
If possible, get tested for SARS-CoV-2 on day 5 after exposure.
If you can't stay in quarantine, wear the mask for 10 days.

Vaccine effectiveness:
Current vaccines against the COVID-19 virus can help protect you by creating antibodies in your body without you having to get sick from COVID-19.
It is possible that the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent you from contracting the disease or, if you do get COVID-19, the vaccine may protect you from developing dangerous symptoms and becoming seriously ill.
And, of course, getting vaccinated can also help protect those around you.

Among the existing coronavirus detection methods, so far, PCR tests remain the most effective for detecting COVID-19, including the Omicron variant; These are usually very accurate when performed in certified laboratories by trained personnel.

Measures to avoid getting infected
There is no way to guarantee that the risk of infection is zero, so it is important to know the risks and how to protect yourself as much as possible. People most at risk for seriously COVID-19 should consider their level of risk before going out and take the necessary steps to protect themselves.

Use of face masks
Get vaccinated if they haven't, as well as receive the booster dose
Handwashing with gels or hand solutions with at least 60% alcohol, if possible.
Avoid having contact with people who do not wear face masks or ask those around you to wear face masks.
Avoid closed spaces, poorly ventilated or with a large influx of people.