CDC Shortens Quarantine Recommendations

[giustot]

Just put out by the CDC. It is recommending quarantine be shortened to five days, and eliminated for people who have received boosters. A game changer if the cruise lines would follow the new recommendations.

 

CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population

 

Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others.

 

Additionally, CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19. For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.  For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.

 

Isolation relates to behavior after a confirmed infection. Isolation for 5 days followed by wearing a well-fitting mask will minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others. Quarantine refers to the time following exposure to the virus or close contact with someone known to have COVID-19. Both updates come as the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the U.S. and reflects the current science on when and for how long a person is maximally infectious. 

 

Data from South Africa and the United Kingdom demonstrate that vaccine effectiveness against infection for two doses of an mRNA vaccine is approximately 35%. A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75%. COVID-19 vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. CDC strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 5 and older and boosters for everyone 16 and older. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our communities. 

[Kwaj girl]

YES!  👏

Definitely makes sense.

[Ladys Mom]

Now the question is how will Regent implement these recommendations.  Will they allow people who test positive and are asymptomatic to quarantine in their cabin for 5 days or will more draconian measures be followed?

 

[giustot]

To be a little more clear, quarantine is eliminated for boosted people who have been exposed to Covid. If you're booted and test positive, you would quarantine for five days. 

[gcorgain]

Also you need to be asymptomatic, although that is a large number of cases for the boosted...

[OCruisers]

1 hour ago, giustot said:

 

 

CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population

 

 

 

GREAT  NEWS!  

[BBWC]

43 minutes ago, Ladys Mom said:

Now the question is how will Regent implement these recommendations.  Will they allow people who test positive and are asymptomatic to quarantine in their cabin for 5 days or will more draconian measures be followed?

 

I think the economic advantage for them of getting their crew back after 5 days rather than 10 will win out. And then they can’t treat the passengers differently than the crew.

 

[BBWC]

29 minutes ago, giustot said:

If you're booted and test positive, you would quarantine for five days. 

Slight correction: you would isolate for five days.

[BBWC]

1 hour ago, gcorgain said:

Also you need to be asymptomatic, although that is a large number of cases for the boosted...

You can leave isolation if you are asymptomatic after 5 days. You don’t have to be asymptomatic at the initial diagnosis.

[Pudgesmom]

This plan is only for the US. All other countries will make their own rules for quarantine and visitation 

[RachelG]

This is excellent news!

[mj_holiday]

Recently CDC officials were explaining the change for quarantine and the reason for no test given at the end of quarantine.  They said that tests can detect COVID for several weeks after you are no longer contagious.

This make me worry about the screening tests at the beginning of the cruise.