WASHINGTON, D.C. (Michigan News Source) – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently revised its COVID-19 isolation guidelines, marking a significant shift in approach after four years of pandemic response. The updated recommendations, released last Friday, bring the COVID guidelines more in line with those for other respiratory infections like the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The Covid-infected can now go out in public if fever-free for 24 hours.
Under the new guidelines, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 no longer need to refrain from attending school or work if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours and are generally feeling better.
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This is a departure from the previous guidance, which mandated a minimum of five days of isolation. The simplicity of the new recommendations is aimed at aligning COVID guidelines with common practices for managing other respiratory infections instead of operating from a position of uncertainty and panic in dealing with a new virus outbreak.
Once the third leading cause of death early during the outbreak of the pandemic, it dropped to 10th overall in 2023.
Medically vulnerable folks still taking more rigorous precautions.
Dane Farner, a 74-year-old liver transplant recipient from Flint, commented to Bridge Michigan on the change, highlighting that many individuals weren’t following the previous guidelines anyway.
Because of his own health condition, however, he continues to take precautions such as wearing masks and avoiding large crowds.
Michigan physician supports new guidelines.
Dr. Mark Hamed, the medical director for several public health departments and an emergency room doctor in Michigan’s Thumb, expressed support for the updated guidance if those who are sick truly follow it.
He also suggested that employers should offer flexibility to employees who need time off due to illness if the virus makes them sick for an extended period of time.
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People weren’t paying attention to previous guidelines due to many issues.
Critics of the previous guidelines argued that they were out of touch with the practical realities that are faced by Americans, especially those at risk of losing pay if forced to stay home from work, even if asymptomatic.
The prevalence of asymptomatic individuals who have unknowingly been engaging in work, social activities, and school attendance has been a concern but the CDC’s own reports indicate that nearly every American had some form of antibodies from prior infection or vaccination.
Michigan is reviewing the updated guidance.
In response to the CDC’s revision, a spokesperson from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services stated on Friday that the department prioritizes CDC recommendations and is currently reviewing the updated guidance.
Although COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state have continued to plateau with emergency department visits also decreasing compared to this time last year, the current information on the state’s website is dated 2022 and recommends the five-day isolation period as well as wearing a mask for an additional five days after that.
Additional recommendations from the CDC
Despite the relaxation of isolation requirements, the CDC’s new recommendations suggest that individuals who return to work after COVID-19 isolation should take many precautions for five days including: maintaining good hygiene practices; covering sneezes and coughs; frequent hand washing; improving ventilation through measures like opening doors and windows; using exhaust fans and air purifiers; wearing masks; practicing physical distancing; and testing if in close proximity to others indoors.
If symptoms reappear or worsen, individuals are advised to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve for at least 24 hours and they are fever-free.
