CDC drops isolation time for COVID

(KBSI) – Are our days of social distancing over? According to new information released by the CDC they could be! For now, anyway.

The Illinois Department of Health is adopting new guideline recommendations presented by the CDC.

The CDC says it is no longer necessary to isolate for 5 days after testing positive for covid. 

The CDC on Friday, March 1st, 2024, dropped new guidelines that essentially streamlined their recommendations around isolation for covid-19.

Sameer Vohra Director of IDPH says the CDC’s new guidelines now match the same guidelines of other raspatory illnesses such as the flu. 

“Make sure that we stay isolated until symptoms are improving for 24 hours or if you have a fever that your fever free for 24 hours,” says Vohra.

You now should isolate until you are symptom free for 24 hours.

According to data reported by the CDC covid hospital admissions have fallen by more than 75% and deaths have decreased by more than 90% because of this the CDC is recommending that only those over a certain age should continue to get the covid booster.  

Shawna Rhine community outreach coordinator for the Southern Seven Health Department explains who should continue booster vaccines.

“ Its for anyone over the age of 65 they can go head and get that second booster of the new vaccine as well as for anyone who’s immune compromised.” 

It is no longer recommended that healthy people under the age of 65 receive the new COVID booster, unless they just want to get it as a personal choice.

Rhine says although guidelines have become less strict you should still use precaution when you’re sick. 

“Be thinking about others around you especially someone who is immune compromised or maybe someone who’s not able to vaccinate for whatever reason just keep that in mind,” says Rhine.