CDC Shortens Isolation, Quarantine Time: What It Means In MD

Baltimore MD

29 December, 2021

10:42 AM

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MARYLAND —As more information comes in about COVID-19 and the omicron variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is cutting the recommended time for isolation in half and shortening quarantine time as well. "The omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society. CDC's updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses," Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said in a statement. Isolation time went from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to five days, if they are asymptomatic, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others, as of Monday, Dec. 27. "The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the one to two days prior to onset of symptoms and the two to three days after," according to the CDC. Additionally, CDC updated the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19, but it varies based on vaccination status. For those who are unvaccinated or more than six months out from their second dose (or more than two months after having received the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, the CDC now recommends quarantine for five days followed by strict mask use for an additional five days. If a five-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure.Those who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but they should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. "These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives," Walensky said. "Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather." Maryland health officials say they are processing the new protocols. "The MDH clinical team is currently reviewing the CDC's latest quarantine guidance, including how it would apply in different settings," Andy Owen, spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Health, said in a statement to Patch Tuesday. "We will keep you posted as we have additional information to share." Here is the new CDC isolation and quarantine guidance. If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate) Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should do the following: Stay home for 5 days.If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves. If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine) If you have been boosted or completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months or completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last two months, Wear a mask around others for 10 days.Test on day five, if possible. If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home. If you completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted or completed the primary series of J&J over two months ago and are not boosted or are unvaccinated: Stay home for 5 days. After that, wear a mask around others for five additional days.If you can't quarantine, you must wear a mask for 10 days.Test on day five if possible. If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home. — By Patch Editors Alexis Tarrazi and Elizabeth Janney