Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As the CDC contemplates adding a negative test to reduce the quarantine time to 5 days, there is concern and confusion as test results following a confirmed COVID case can be impacted for an extended period of time.
WBEN reached out to one of our local COVID experts who notes tests can detect COVID weeks and even months after no longer being contagious.
Dr. Joseph Chow of WNY Immediate Care says it's very possible the virus could still be detected, depending on the test. "If we're looking at a PCR test, some of these tests may detect the virus weeks, even months after the virus isn't contagious at that time," says Chow. "The antigen test has a smaller time frame but can still detect it after five days."
Chow says with that possibility, the release of the quarantine becomes difficult. "Even accessing the testing has become increasingly difficult. There are still tests out there, but it has become increasingly difficult to get it at that 5 day mark," explains Chow.
Chow says there needs to be clarification on what kind of testing will be needed in the CDC guidelines. "Not only because of availability but the test may be positive for a long period of time. It seems like when the CDC announced the quarantine would be reduced to 5 days it caught a lot of people off guard relatively quickly, so we're seeing some backlash and questioning," says Chow.
"Certainly, if you're still sick, you still have symptoms, 5 days won't be enough. We've had a week to stress that test, and there are questions if 5 days is enough time, and if it is, what safeguards will be in place."
Chow says the past week showed there are some questions about how this will work in real time.
