WI Residents COVID-19 Isolation Shortened Under New CDC Guidance

MILWAUKEE, WI — Wisconsin's top health officials endorse the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new isolation guidance, as federal health experts say people who are infected with COVID-19 but are asymptomatic should isolate for five days instead of 10.

People who test positive for the virus but don't have symptoms should isolate for five days and wear well-fitting masks five days afterward, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake said in a statement.

Most of COVID-19's transmission happens early in the illness, which is why the isolation period was shortened, Timberlake added.

Wisconsin residents should quarantine for five days if they were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and aren't up to date on vaccinations or boosters, and health officials said unvaccinated residents who were exposed should mask up for an additional five days.

Those who are up to date on vaccinations and boosters don't need to quarantine but should still wear a mask for 10 days, and health officials said everyone should get tested if they were exposed to someone who is infected, regardless of vaccination status.

Timberlake that increased testing can help identify omicron cases in Wisconsin and help health experts learn more about the variant and get an accurate picture of disease activity in the state.

Getting vaccinated, getting a booster shot and wearing a mask in indoor settings will continue to help the fight against COVID-19's spread in Wisconsin, Timberlake said. "This will help us all safely continue with our daily lives," she said.

See Also:

• Omicron Could 'Overwhelm' Already Stretched WI Hospitals
• COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them In Wisconsin