The CDC has announced on Monday that it has updated the recommended quarantine and isolation time for individuals exposed to or infected with COVID-19.

The CDC has shortened isolation time from 10 days to five days if asymptomatic, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others. 

This change is motivated by scientific evidence demonstrating that the majority of COVID transmission occurs early in the course of illness. Generally one to two days prior to the onset of symptoms and two to three days after that.

 In addition, the CDC is also updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19.

For those who are unvaccinated or are more than six months past their initial dose of the vaccine (two months for Johnson & Johnson) and not boosted, the CDC recommends a five-day quarantine followed by strict mask wearing for five days after this period.

If the five-day quarantine period is not feasible, it is imperative that the individual wears a mask at all times when around other for a 10-day period. Those who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine but should still wear a mask for 10 days after exposure.

For all those exposed, best practice would also include getting tested for COVID after day five of exposure. If symptoms should occur during this time, individuals should quarantine right away and continue to do so until a negative test confirms these symptoms are not COVID-19-related.