U.S. health authorities on Monday shortened the recommended time to isolate those who are asymptomatic Americans with COVID-19 to five days , down from the previous guidance of 10 days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that people who have tested positive for a disease wear masks for five days whenever they are around others.
According to the federal CDC, Omicron is responsible for 73 percent of U.S.-related coronavirus infections.
Breakthrough infections are rising in the fully vaccinated population, including those who have had three booster shots. Omicron appears to be creating milder symptoms for those who have been vaccinated for the third time. Some people may not even experience any symptoms.
Reducing the 10 days of quarantine recommended by the CDC would help asymptomatic people return to work or school, with the proper precautions, White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci had told CNN last week.
The CDC on Monday also gave guidelines for those who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second dose of mRNA or more than two months after the Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) vaccine and not yet increased. It was recommended that they be in quarantine for five days, then wear a mask for six more days.
The CDC said that those who have had their booster shot don’t have to be quarantined after being exposed. However, they should wear a mask for ten days.
