The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has halved its recommended quarantine time to five days for those who have COVID-19 but are asymptomatic, the federal agency announced on Monday.
After five days in isolation, those individuals are advised to wear a mask for an additional five days while around other people.
The CDC said the change was motivated by science demonstrating the majority of transmissions occur between one and two days prior to the onset of symptoms, as well as two to three day afterward.
The agency recommended the same measures for those who are exposed to the virus and unvaccinated, or else who are eligible for a booster shot but have yet to receive one. If quarantining is not feasible, the CDC said exposed individuals should wear a mask at all times when around others for 10 days.
Those who are boosted do not need to quarantine following exposure, but should wear a mask, per the CDC.
The agency recommended undergoing a COVID-19 test five days after exposure, regardless of vaccination status.
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