CDC Shortens Isolation, Quarantine Time: What It Means In MD

MARYLAND — As more information comes in about COVID-19 and the omicron variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is cutting the recommended time for isolation in half and shortening quarantine time, as well.

Isolation time has dropped from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to five days, if they are asymptomatic, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others, as of Monday, Dec. 27.

The CDC's new guidance comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge to record levels in Maryland, where the highly contagious omicron variant was first reported on Dec. 3.

"These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives," Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said in a statement. "The omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society."

Gov. Larry Hogan, who tested positive for the coronavirus on Dec. 20, was cleared for work on Dec. 29, according to WJLA. He reported having cold-like symptoms and received monoclonal antibody treatments, the news station reported.

On Thursday, Maryland reported 14,316 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, shattering the record set Wednesday of 10,873 new cases.

"CDC's updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses," Walensky said.

"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 one to two days prior to onset of symptoms and the two to three days after," according to the CDC.

Additionally, CDC updated the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19, but it varies based on vaccination status.

• For those who are unvaccinated or more than six months out from their second dose (or more than two months after having received the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, the CDC now recommends quarantine for five days followed by strict mask use for an additional five days. If a five-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.
• Those who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but they should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.

"Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather," Walensky said.

Following the CDC change, quarantine periods for Anne Arundel County Public Schools will be shortened when classes resume Jan. 3, the school system's superintendent said Wednesday, after the district received new guidance from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.

Superintendent George Arlotto sent a letter to families Wednesday about the revised COVID-19 guidance, and said the goal remains to keep schools open for in-person learning five days per week through the end of the school year.

Maryland health officials say they are processing the new protocols.

"The MDH clinical team is currently reviewing the CDC's latest quarantine guidance, including how it would apply in different settings," Andy Owen, spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Health, said in a statement to Patch Tuesday. "We will keep you posted as we have additional information to share."

Here is the new CDC isolation and quarantine guidance.

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should do the following:

• Stay home for 5 days.
• If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
• Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)

If you have been boosted or completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months or completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last two months,

• Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
• Test on day five, if possible.

If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.

If you completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted or completed the primary series of J&J over two months ago and are not boosted or are unvaccinated:

• Stay home for 5 days. After that, wear a mask around others for five additional days.
• If you can't quarantine, you must wear a mask for 10 days.
• Test on day five if possible.

If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.

See Also:

• Anne Arundel Schools Amend COVID Quarantine Rules As CDC Outlined
• COVID-19 Hospitalizations In MD Hit Record High, Along With Cases

— By Patch Editors Alexis Tarrazi and Elizabeth Janney