CDC Cuts COVID Isolation Period

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control issued new COVID-19 guidelines March 1 that reshape the agency’s approach to the virus.

Based on the CDC’s updated recommendations, people with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections need not isolate for five days before returning to work or school.

Those with respiratory illnesses may resume daily activities if they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medications and if their symptoms are improving.

Agency officials said the new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and healthcare workers.

“Today’s announcement reflects the progress we have made in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen.

“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.”

Core Prevention Steps

CDC officials recommend these core prevention steps and strategies:

• Staying up to date with vaccinations (including flu, COVID-19, and RSV) to protect against serious illness, hospitalization, and death
• Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces
• Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

Additional Strategies

The CDC recommends that when people get sick with a respiratory virus, they should stay home and away from others.

For those with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness.

The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, has dissipated without use of medication.

Additional prevention strategies are suggested for the next five days, including taking more steps for cleaner air, enhanced hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses.

The updated guidelines are for those in community settings. There are no changes to the agency’s guidelines for healthcare settings.