The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set to revise its COVID-19 isolation recommendations, with new guidance that will allow individuals to decide when to end their isolation based on their symptoms. According to the Washington Post, the change aims to ease restrictions for individuals with mild and improving symptoms by no longer requiring them to remain at home if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
However, it’s important to note that the revised recommendations will not apply to hospitals and other healthcare settings that are home to more vulnerable populations. The CDC is yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the proposed changes.
Although the guidelines have not yet been approved by the government, they are expected to be released in April for public feedback. The current isolation guidelines were last updated in December 2021, reducing the recommended isolation time for asymptomatic cases from 10 days to five.
Recent data from the CDC reveals that approximately 86% of COVID-19 cases in the United States are caused by the sub-variant JN.1. This sub-variant, classified as a “variant of interest” by the World Health Organization, has been contributing significantly to the high number of cases in the country.
With the CDC’s plans to revise the isolation recommendations, it is hoped that the new guidance will provide relief for individuals with mild symptoms, allowing them to resume their daily activities sooner if their symptoms are improving. The proposed changes will no doubt garner attention and discussion as they are reviewed and potentially implemented in the coming months. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and follow the latest guidelines to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
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