Updated CDC Guidance on Covid-19 Shifts Focus Away from Employer

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has modified its guidance on preventing transmission of COVID-19.  The main thrust of the guidance is to shift the emphasis to individuals.  However, the CDC still recommends that organizations improve building ventilation, and include using HEPA filters, opening windows to bring in outdoor air and turning on fans to improve air flow.  In one of the most significant changes, the CDC has dropped reference to 6-foot physical distancing but warns:  "The closer you are to a greater number of people, the more likely you are to be exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19."  

The CDC recommends avoiding contact with people who have COVID-19.  However, if someone is taking care of a sick person at home, caregivers should use "as many prevention strategies as you can," such as wearing a high-quality mask (N95 or KN95, for example), washing hands and improving ventilation.  Instead of advising anyone who's been exposed to COVID-19 to quarantine, the CDC recommends wearing a high-quality mask for 10 days and getting tested on the fifth day after exposure.  After a positive COVID-19 test, the recommendation is to stay home for five days and wear a high-quality mask around others.  If the person is symptom-free and has no signs of fever for at least 24 hours after those five days, the person can stop isolating.  However, still wearing a high-quality mask until day 10 is recommended. 

This article is part of our December 2022 Newsletter.

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