Breaking News: CDC Drops 5-Day Isolation Period for Recovering COVID Patients
March 1, 2024, 5:31 PM ET | 5 min read
People who are recovering from COVID-19 no longer need to remain isolated for five days after symptoms end, according to new guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A Positive Turn of Events
Those sick with COVID-19 should stay at home and away from others until at least 24 hours after symptoms get better and they don’t have a fever, without medication, according to updated guidance from the CDC.
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said, “Today’s announcement reflects the progress we have made in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19. However, we still must use the commonsense solutions we know work to protect ourselves and others from serious illness from respiratory viruses — this includes vaccination, treatment, and staying home when we get sick.”
Guidelines for a Safer Recovery
The CDC advises that during those five days after symptoms improve and fever dissipates, it is still important to wear a well-fitting mask, maintain distance from others, get tested, and practice enhanced hygiene.
It’s important to note that these guidelines are intended for community settings and not for health care settings, such as hospitals or nursing homes, where the same five-day isolation guidance is still in effect.
Simplicity and Safety as the Core Principles
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen explained, “We wanted to provide folks an easy and understandable way to protect themselves, and we’ve had vulnerable individuals in mind as we put this guidance together. We all know someone who is vulnerable, whether it’s someone in our own family or a friend. So, it was very top of mind for me.”
Dr. Cohen emphasized the importance of hand hygiene, ventilation, masking, and testing as additional strategies in the five days after recovery. The aim is to simplify the guidelines so that people can easily remember and adhere to them, thereby reducing the spread of the virus overall.
Familiarity and Overall Protection
Notably, the new guidelines align with the CDC’s longstanding recommendations for the flu over the years. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, states, “When people follow these actionable recommendations to avoid getting sick, and to protect themselves and others if they do get sick, it will help limit the spread of respiratory viruses.”
Continued Vigilance and Presence of COVID
COVID-19 hospitalizations have slightly declined in the most recent week, and overall hospitalization rates remain lower than last year. However, adults over 65 continue to be the highest risk group. According to the CDC, there were 17,310 weekly hospitalizations for COVID-19, and 2.1% of deaths in hospitals were attributed to the virus.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
The CDC’s updated guidance brings a positive shift in the COVID-19 recovery process. By adhering to the recommended precautions, we can collectively reduce the transmission of the virus and protect the most vulnerable among us.
