BOSTON — On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated they’re considering reducing how much time someone should spend in quarantine, if exposed to someone with COVID-19.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting the agency wants to reduce the 14 day timeline to between 7-10 days. A negative test would be required as well.
The CDC hopes reducing time required in quarantine will encourage more people to follow the guidance.
With the surging number of cases and many people traveling for the holiday or welcoming more people into their home, Massachusetts health officials made similar changes last week.
“COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the Commonwealth. The uptick in cases also means there’s increased exposure to COVID,” said Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders during a November 18th news conference.
The new guidance took effect that day and shortened the 14-day quarantine previously required.
“This update allows those how have been exposed to COVID to test out of quarantine after 10 days,” Sudders said.
But, people who’ve been exposed the virus must meet certain parameters.
In Massachusetts, people can then only come out of quarantine if they have no symptoms. They must get tested on day 8 of quarantine using a molecular (PCR) test and get a negative result. Then, one still must monitor for symptoms for the full 14 days.
Quarantine isn’t easy. It costs people time and money. But health officials this guidance can really make a difference.
“These best practices help protect families, friends and neighbors,” Sudders said.
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