CDC announces shorter quarantine options for people exposed to COVID-19 virus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today announced shorter quarantine options based on local circumstances and resources, for people exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Under the new options, individuals exposed to the COVID-19 virus may end the recommended 14-day quarantine after 10 days if they reported no symptoms during daily monitoring and after seven days if they reported no symptoms and a diagnostic specimen test in the prior 48 hours was negative. In both cases, the individuals should continue symptom monitoring and masking through Day 14, among other actions.

The agency today said it continues to recommend postponing domestic travel and international air travel to protect yourself and others during the pandemic. For those who decide to travel, the agency recommends viral testing 1-3 days before and 3-5 days after travel.

Individuals should stay home for seven days after travel if they test negative, and for 10 days after travel if they don’t get tested, the agency said.