CDC Said to Be Poised to Revise COVID-19 Isolation Recommendation
ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is ready to toss its recommendation that individuals isolate themselves for five days following a positive test for the coronavirus.
The pending change, which appears slated for an April announcement, was first reported by The Washington Post.
The change marks the first time since 2021 that the agency has amended its advice on isolation, and it is expected to align its COVID-19 guidance with recommendations for avoiding spreading the flu and RSV.
Under the new guidance, individuals would no longer have to stay home if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours after a positive test without the aid of medication and if their symptoms remain mild or show definitive signs of improving.
According to the Post, no definitive date has been set for the announcement, and its timing will depend on approval by the White House.
Both California and Oregon have already amended their state regulations to reflect a lesser concern about the virus.
Oregon made its change in May 2023, while California changed its isolation guidelines in January.
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and at https://twitter.com/DanMcCue
