(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Isolating for five days if you test positive for COVID-19 could soon be a thing of the past.
The CDC is reportedly planning to drop its recommended isolation period for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 — but are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the help of medication. That's according to a Washington Post report that cited unnamed CDC sources and others.
Dr. Susan Russell, director of Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Medical ICU, said it’s not surprising that the agency is moving in that direction.
“It's now based on symptoms and up to the person to really listen to their body and know when they are feeling better enough,” Russell said.
Russell stressed, though, that just because guidelines are being eased doesn't mean the danger from COVID-19 is gone.
“The fact is you are still at higher risk of dying from this than you are from a lot of other viral illnesses,” she said.
The critical care doctor added that she is still taking care of people who are “gravely ill” from COVID-19 and its effects.
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