California and Oregon have diverged from CDC guidelines by reducing isolation expectations for COVID-19 infected individuals, allowing for a return to public life if symptoms are absent or improving.
Both states no longer require a specified isolation period after contracting COVID, with those experiencing mild symptoms able to return to work or school after 24 hours of being fever-free.
The CDC, however, recommends at least five days of isolation after testing positive, regardless of symptoms or vaccination status.
“We are now at a different point in time with reduced impacts from COVID-19 compared to prior years due to broad immunity from vaccination and/or natural infection, and readily available treatments available for infected people,” Dr. Tomás Aragón said.
“Our policies and priorities for intervention are now focused on protecting those most at risk for serious illness while reducing social disruption that is disproportionate to recommendations for prevention of other endemic respiratory viral infections.”
The guidelines also include recommendations for those isolating, such as wearing masks and improving ventilation at home.
