The CDC revises isolation guidelines for those who test positive COVID from 10 days to five days, that’s if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask for at least five more days. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says when the CDC looked at the data the virus appears to be most contagious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.
“And it’s really based on the contagiousness that the virus, just before and for a couple of days after the symptoms develop,” said Lopez.
Lopez says the new guidelines are for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. He says the keyword is that you are asymptomatic, and you wear a mask for the remaining five days when in public. The five days begins the day you receive your positive results.
“If you have no symptoms or symptoms are resolving after five days you can leave your house, but you should continue to wear a mask around others for five additional days,” said Lopez.
Last week the CDC COVID quarantine guidelines for healthcare workers were also adjusted. Their quarantine period is longer than the general public because of their interaction with those who are more vulnerable.
“The isolation period for healthcare workers was decreased to seven days if there are no symptoms and you have a negative test prior to discontinuing the isolation,” said Lopez.
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