Oregon’s Approach to COVID: Isolation Not Required for Mild Cases, Sparks National Debate
In a time when the world is still grappling with the best way to live with the COVID-19 virus, Oregon has taken a unique approach. Last May, the state became the first to deviate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation that anyone who tests positive for COVID should isolate for at least five days and wear a mask for an additional five days. Instead, Oregon’s guidelines state that individuals with mild cases can return to their daily lives as long as they have been fever-free for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving. This approach has sparked a national debate among epidemiologists and the general public, questioning whether isolation is necessary for mild cases and if public health officials should endorse a return to normalcy.
Oregon resident Jessica Rogers-Hall, who recently tested positive for COVID for the third time, followed the state’s recommendations. She isolated when she felt sick and returned to work as a life coach for people experiencing homelessness after a day of feeling better. Rogers-Hall believes that Oregon’s approach is the right one, stating that “COVID is everywhere… Life goes on. It has to go on.” Others in her circle of friends and associates, including a restaurant worker and an airline pilot, also followed Oregon’s guidelines by staying home for a couple of days if they had fevers or debilitating symptoms before returning to work.
Dr. Melissa Sutton, the Oregon Health Authority’s medical director for respiratory pathogens, explains that the state changed its guidelines nine months ago because it became evident that the virus is pervasive. Asking a small portion of people with COVID to isolate was placing a significant burden on the workforce and schoolchildren. Oregon’s goal is not containment but rather to help people make informed decisions to protect themselves from severe infection. The state advises higher-risk individuals to get tested if they have symptoms and take antiviral medication if they test positive.
However, many Oregonians are unaware of the state’s recommendations. A survey conducted by The Oregonian/OregonLive found that four out of five people believed they should isolate if they tested positive, regardless of their symptoms. Those who were aware of Oregon’s stance learned about it through specific channels such as healthcare providers, schools, or OHA newsletters. Some individuals expressed concerns about going to work, especially in the food service industry, while others emphasized the importance of staying home to protect public health.
Public health experts have differing opinions on Oregon’s approach. Ali Mokdad, a University of Washington professor and epidemiologist, supports Oregon’s decision to end universal isolation for COVID. He believes that it is not practical to ask only those who have confirmed positive tests to stay home when there are likely many others unknowingly circulating the virus. On the other hand, Dr. Esther Choo, an emergency medicine professor at Oregon Health & Science University, is less enthusiastic about the updated recommendations. She suggests that individuals should base their decision to go out on testing results and advises those who test positive to stay home. Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease expert at Stanford University, emphasizes the importance of testing, isolating, and wearing masks when sick. However, he acknowledges that if most people are not following these recommendations, Oregon’s approach could at least encourage mask-wearing and help stop ongoing transmission.
As the debate continues, it remains crucial for individuals to prioritize public health and make informed decisions. While Oregon’s approach may offer some flexibility for those with mild cases, it is essential to consider the potential risks and impact on higher-risk individuals. Testing, isolating, and wearing masks when necessary are still the best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
