PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Anyone who currently tests positive for COVID is asked to isolate for five days, but that timeframe could soon shrink, as the CDC is considering a change to its isolation recommendations.
The Washington Post reports the CDC is considering a guideline change that would leave it up to the infected person to decide when they can see people again, so long as they have gone 24 hours without a fever.
"I think most people see this change as being in response to what we think people are willing to do,” said Chair of Rutgers School of Public Health Dr. Leslie Kantor.
Kantor says some people have been returning to their routines without isolating for five days and she thinks the CDC does not want to seem out of step with how people are behaving.
"I think part of what feels confusing about these guidelines is that we're pivoting to talking about people's individual health rather than what's good for a community," she said.
Kantor points out variants are developed as the virus passes through bodies, so it's possible a more serious variant that requires more serious guidelines could pop up.
She encourages everyone to pay attention to local COVID rates and take steps to slow the spread when possible.
The CDC says it has not changed any COVID guidance and any decisions will be based on evidence and science.