CDC considers easing COVID isolation rules

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – It has been four years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and now, the CDC is considering ending certain restrictions for those who test positive.

Communities across the U.S. and right here in Massachusetts, reflecting on the last four years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the city of Westfield, an annual vigil was held, the light representing the lives taken too soon by the virus, as well as the hope for a better future. CDC data from this month shows that emergency room visits from COVID are down, as well as hospitalizations and deaths.

Four years later, and now the CDC is reportedly considering new guidelines that could change the five days of isolation for those who test positive.

Under the proposed new guidance, Americans who test positive will no longer need to stay home for five days. Instead, people can return if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication. The same standard applied to the flu and RSV, which has been adopted by states including California and Oregon.

The chief of the division of infectious disease at Baystate Health Dr. Armando Paez, explained the important role of isolation, “It’s a very comprehensive strategy. If you are isolated, there is no chance of you being in contact with other people, but if you allow that to happen with masking, it can reduce the risk, but not totally eliminate it. The safest way is to isolate yourself in order not to spread it.”

Dr. Paez adds that compared to the flu, COVID-19 is more infectious. He says that while it is unclear the impact this proposed change could have on the spread of this respiratory illness, he is hopeful that more data will come in before the CDC makes any decision to ease restrictions.

According to the state’s Department of Public Health, about 1 out of 5 Massachusetts residents have been vaccinated against COVID-19 this season.