CDC Reduces COVID-19 Positive Quarantine Recommendation To 5 Days

GEORGIA – While COVID-19 cases are spiking across Georgia and the nation, the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reduced the number of days individuals testing positive are required to isolate.

CDC officials announced on Monday that rather than 10 days, individuals testing positive for COVID-19 should quarantine for five days. The updated isolation recommendation is based on findings showing that COVID-19 transmission generally occurs early in the course of the illness.

“Generally in the one-to-two days prior to (the) onset of symptoms and the two-to-three days after,” CDC officials said in a statement. “Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for five days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for five days to minimize the risk of infecting others.”

For those exposed to the virus who have are unvaccinated or are vaccinated but have gone more than six months after their shot (or more than two months after the J&J vaccine) without having a booster, CDC recommends being quarantined for five days followed by strict mask used for an additional five days.

If five days of isolation isn’t possible, the CDC suggests wearing a “well-fitting mask” for 10 days after exposure at all times when around people. Individuals who have received a booster don’t need to quarantine, but still should wear a mask 10 after exposure, the CDC said.

“With these updates to isolation & quarantine recommendations, it is vital people stay home and test when sick and adhere to recommended masking in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, especially as we continue to see more of the omicron variant,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Monday in a tweet.

In Georgia, state health officials are working to update their policies to align with the CDC. Georgia Department of Public Health numbers released Monday, however, show that the seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests surged from 4.7 percent at the beginning of the month to 23 percent, eclipsing April 2020 numbers when there were no vaccines.

CDC and state officials predicted that the more-easily-transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus will soon be the dominant strain of the virus in Georgia. As a result, Atlanta officials have reinstated a citywide mask mandate and have recently canceled the traditional New Years’ Eve Peach Drop, which had only weeks ago been announced to be a “Go” after a two-year hiatus for repurposing and as a result of the pandemic.

State and federal health officials urged the public to continue the same prevention measures, regardless of the variant.

• Get a COVID vaccination and booster dose.

• For young children who aren't yet eligible for the COVID vaccine, reduce the risk of exposure by making sure the people around them are vaccinated.

• Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth in public indoor settings.

• Physically distance, about six feet, around people outside of your own household.

• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, and remember that outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.

• If you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, don't host or attend a gathering.

• Follow CDC recommendations for holiday travel.

• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

To find a COVID vaccine or COVID testing location near you log on to dph.ga.gov.

This article originally appeared on the Atlanta Patch