Guidelines have changed due to what the CDC knows about the new Omicron variant. Here is the latest information:
If you test positive for COVID you should isolate for 5 days and if asymptomatic or if symptoms are resolving (fever-free for 24 hours) follow that by wearing a mask for 5 days.
If exposed to COVID-19 and unvaccinated, CDC recommends 5 day quarantine followed by mask use for an additional 5 days.
If exposed to COVID-19 and longer than 6 months out from their second mRNA dose and has not received the booster, quarantine for 5 days followed by mask use for an additional 5 days.
If exposed and received the booster shot there is no need to quarantine, but should wear a mask for 10 days after exposure and recommended to test 5 days after exposure.
CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what they know about the spread and protection from the virus.
Prevention is the best option and we just need to be smart about our choices such as getting vaccinated, including the booster, wearing a good-fitting mask in areas of high community transmission and test before gathering with friends and family . It’s the best we can do at this point.