People are waiting in line for testing at the Kedren Community Health Center.
People who have recovered from the virus and have been isolated for at least five days can take a rapid test if they want, after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention amended its controversial Covid-19 isolation guidance.
The CDC faced a lot of criticism last week for shortening its recommended isolation period without asking for people to be tested.
The agency said that the best way to test if you have access to a test is to use an antigen test at the end of the isolation period. The medical community expected the new guidance to be more extensive.
Many Americans don't have access to tests. There is a dramatic spike in demand for at- home tests and they are often sold out in stores and online.
The CDC recommended that people with Covid isolated for five days if they are not showing any symptoms. After coming out of isolation, they should wear a mask.
The CDC said that people are most contagious two days before symptom onset. Dr. Rochelle Walensky said last week that up to 90% of transmission happens during that time.
The CDC did not differentiate between people who are unvaccinated and vaccine-free because of the high rate of transmission, according to Walensky.
In an interview with CNN, White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said that isolation guidelines were updated to address the number of people forced to stay home from work due to infections from the omicron variant.
According to data compiled by the University, the U.S. reported more than 1 million new infections on Monday. A CNBC analysis shows that the nation has reported more than 480,000 new infections in a seven day period.
The new guidelines reflect what the public is willing to tolerate, according to Walensky. She noted that some data shows that less than a third of people are following guidelines.
Walensky told CNN that they wanted to make sure that people were willing to adhere to the rules.
The CDC does not require people to be tested before leaving isolation because they can remain positive for up to 12 weeks after an infectious disease, according to Walensky. She said it was not clear how effective the tests were at detecting transmissibility.
The CDC shortens the period for people who are exposed to Covid. If the person has not received a booster within six months of their second Moderna or Pfizer shot, they should be put under a five-day quark. They should wear a mask for five days. The guidelines should be followed by the unvaccinated.
People who have received a booster should wear a mask for 10 days after exposure, according to the guidance.
