New CDC guidance no longer requires that those who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for a minimum of five days before returning to work or other activities.
The recommendation now focuses on isolation until symptoms improve, which could be shorter or longer than five days. People can return to normal activities when symptoms have been improving for 24 hours and if a fever was present it has been gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medication.
The key recommendation for those with any seasonal respiratory virus is to stay home and away from others until their symptoms improve.
In addition, once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take precautions for the next five days to curb disease spread, including:
- Taking more steps for cleaner air
- Enhancing hygiene practices
- Wearing a well-fitting mask
- Keeping a distance from others
- Getting tested to inform your actions to prevent the spread to others
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has issued a recommendation for a second dose of the current 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccines that were authorized last fall to be given to those over 65 years of age. Those who are immunosuppressed remain eligible to receive additional doses two months after their previous dose.
Every household in the US is eligible to receive four free at-home tests through the COVID.gov website. IDPH has also made available a single swap triple-test for flu/RSV and COVID-19, at no cost, to high-risk congregate care settings and local health departments.
