CDC Loosens Some Covid-19 Recommendations | Business Travel News

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday announced new “streamlined” guidance for Covid-19, loosening testing recommendations and de-emphasizing social distancing recommendations.

Screening testing of asymptomatic people not known to have been exposed to the virus, such as is the policy for some workplaces, no longer is recommended “in most community settings,” and nonvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus no longer need to isolate if they do not have symptoms, according to the CDC. The recommendations also drop reference to six-foot social distancing, instead “emphasizing that physical distance is just one component of how to protect yourself and others.” Those who test positive are still advised to isolate at home for at least five days, ending isolation at that point only if fever-free for at least 24 hours and still wearing a mask in public through Day 10.

“We’re in a stronger place today as a nation, with more tools—like vaccination, boosters, and treatments—to protect ourselves, and our communities, from severe illness from Covid-19,” CDC senior scientist Greta Massetti said in a statement. “This guidance acknowledges that the pandemic is not over, but also helps us move to a point where Covid-19 no longer severely disrupts our daily lives.”