December 28

US health authorities have shortened the recommended period of isolation for people infected with COVID-19 from 10 days to five, amid growing concern over the effects of staff shortages.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday that it has updated its virus guidelines. Infections are soaring across the United States due mainly to the Omicron variant.

Under the updated guidelines, people who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for five days but end isolation if asymptomatic at the end of that period, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not.

They can also return to work and other activities that involve mixing with people on condition that they wear a mask when doing so over a further five-day period.

Individuals who have been exposed to the virus who have received their booster shot or are within six months of their second vaccine dose do not have to quarantine if they wear a mask for 10 days after exposure.

The CDC said the update comes in response to recent findings. These show the coronavirus is commonly transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person, one or two days prior to the newly infected person showing symptoms.

They also indicate that a person who develops symptoms is most likely to pass on the virus two or three days after showing signs of being infected.

As infections with the Omicron variant of the virus spread across the US, labor shortages have become a growing concern.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the quickly spreading Omicron variant "has the potential to impact all facets of our society."

She went on to say that the updated recommendations balance what is known about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by initial vaccinations and booster doses.

NHK