The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention slashed the isolation timelines for healthcare workers who test positive for COVID-19 as the spread of the Omicron variant puts a strain on hospitals nationwide.
The CDC loosened federal interim guidelines for workers who have been exposed to the coronaviruses but are not sick, allowing them to return to work after seven days with a negative test result. The CDC used to recommend an isolation period of at least 10 days.
"As the healthcare community prepares for an anticipated surge in patients due to Omicron, CDC is updating our recommendations to reflect what we know about infection and exposure in the context of vaccination and booster doses," said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky.
"Our goal is to keep healthcare personnel and patients safe," Walensky said, "and to address and prevent undue burden on our healthcare facilities."
If a healthcare facility is experiencing a significant staff shortage, then workers who have a positive test for an infectious disease, regardless of their vaccine status, are allowed to return to work within five days if they are symptom free.
Asymptomatic workers who were in high-risk exposure situations but are fully vaccine and boosted can return to work.
Workers who tested positive for COVID-19 are allowed to return to work if they are symptom free.
Dan Diamond is on December 23, 2021.
As the US faces a surge in COVID-19 infections, the updated guidance comes as a result. The Omicron variant is the most common coronaviruses in the US according to the CDC.
The variant accounts for over 70% of recent confirmed cases in the US, according to federal officials. The variant makes up more than 85% of confirmed cases in some areas.
