Now IDK about this one, Roomies! The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidelines regarding COVID-19. The organization says the nation should move away from restrictive measures such as quarantines and social distancing and focus on reducing severe diseases from Covid-19.
According to CNN, in a news briefing today, Greta Massetti, branch chief of the Field Epidemiology and Prevention Branch at the CDC, said, “The current conditions of this pandemic are very different from those of the last two years.”
With the new guidelines, reports show that contact tracing should be limited to hospitals and certain high-risk group-living situations. These are places such as nursing homes. The guidelines also de-emphasize regular testing to screen for Covid-19, except in certain high-risk settings like nursing homes and prisons. The changes don’t stop there. While the new guidance doesn’t advise quarantining people exposed to Covid-19 but is not infected, it does keep some of the previous measures the same.
The CDC still encourages testing for people with symptoms and close contact. In addition, people who test positive should stay home for at least five days and wear a mask around others for ten days. Although mask mandates are no longer in effect, the organization does recommend that people wear masks indoors in about half the country.
For those who are worried about contracting the deadly disease from infected individuals, the CDC does advise that anyone with symptoms follow these tailored new guidelines. People with moderate symptoms- such as shortness of breath and those hospitalized- should stay home for at least ten days. People with compromised immune systems should now talk to their doctor about ending their isolation after an infection.
Roommates, will you be following the new guidelines or sticking to the previous ones?