The CDC has revised its guidance for COVID, explaining "CDC
is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is
seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with
COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu,
COVID, and RSV."
The revised guidance recommends treating COVID
like other respiratory viruses like the flu. It no longer
recommends a 5-day isolation period. Instead, the CDC recommends
"returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours,
symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has
been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication."
However, it recommends other measures, "such as taking more
steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a
well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting
tested for respiratory viruses." The new guidance does not
apply to healthcare settings, which are covered by other guidance
issued by the CDC.
