Two West Coast states become the first to deviate from CDC’s COVID isolation guidelines

Covid Guidelines deviate

As we approach the fourth year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, some states in the US are starting to deviate from the remaining guidelines. California’s Department of Public Health recently issued a formal order to change existing COVID-19 control and prevention guidelines, reducing isolation expectations for infected individuals. This move follows Oregon’s decision in May to break away from CDC guidelines and eliminate specific isolation times.

Under the new rules introduced in California, individuals testing positive for COVID-19 can return to public life if they are not showing symptoms. The changes were justified by the reduced impact of COVID compared to previous years, the availability of treatment, and the evolving expectations to safeguard those most at risk while minimizing disruptions to the public.

Oregon and California are now the first states to depart from the CDC guidelines, which recommend at least five days of isolation after testing positive or experiencing symptoms. Instead, people in these states are no longer required to quarantine for a specified period after contracting COVID. Those with symptoms can return to work or school after just 24 hours of being fever-free, provided symptoms are mild and improving. As for those without apparent symptoms, they are not obligated to isolate at all according to state policies.

However, both states still advise taking precautions even if individuals are no longer required to stay home. It is recommended to avoid contact with high-risk individuals and wear masks when around others for 10 days after testing positive or falling ill.

The CDC, on the other hand, still recommends isolating for at least five days after testing positive, regardless of symptoms or vaccination status. The guidelines state that anyone suspecting they may have COVID-19 should begin isolating, even before testing. If a positive test result is received, individuals are advised to isolate for five days, as this is the period when they are most likely to be contagious.

For those testing positive without symptoms but developing symptoms within the following 10 days, the isolation clock restarts. If, after five days, an individual is fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of medication and symptoms have improved, they may end isolation. However, if symptoms persist without improvement, they should wait until they are fever-free for 24 hours and/or their symptoms are improving.

People experiencing more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, should isolate for an additional five days, resulting in a total quarantine time of 10 days. Those who had a severe illness requiring hospitalization or are immunocompromised should consult their doctor about treatment plans and isolate for at least 10 days.

While California and Oregon have shifted away from specific isolation times, the CDC guidelines emphasize the importance of wearing high-quality masks, avoiding places where mask-wearing is not possible, refraining from travel, staying home and separating from others as much as possible, using a separate bathroom if available, improving ventilation at home, not sharing personal household items, monitoring symptoms, and seeking emergency medical care if an emergency warning sign (such as trouble breathing) is observed.

In summary, as states like California and Oregon adjust COVID-19 guidelines, individuals should stay informed about the specific recommendations in their region and continue to prioritize safety measures to protect themselves and others.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *