US CDC Reduces Asymptomatic Isolation from 10 to 5 Days, Sparks Controversy Over No Mandatory COVID Testing

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The U.S. health authorities are facing controversy for not adding mandatory COVID-19 testing to the isolation release requirements for asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. The controversy has intensified especially as the isolation period has been shortened from the existing 10 days to 5 days.

According to major foreign media on the 4th (local time), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintained the existing guideline that asymptomatic individuals can end isolation after 5 days and then engage in outdoor activities while wearing a mask for at least 5 more days.

Furthermore, the CDC decided not to add mandatory COVID-19 testing to the isolation release requirements for asymptomatic individuals, leaving it to personal choice.

The CDC stated, "Taking an antigen test near the end of isolation is the best approach."

Previously, some public health experts in the U.S. argued that ending isolation after 5 days even for asymptomatic individuals is risky, and that COVID-19 testing should be added to the release requirements so that only those who test negative are allowed to go outside.

However, the CDC countered that not adding mandatory COVID-19 testing to the isolation release requirements while shortening the isolation period to 5 days is based on scientific evidence.

The CDC said, "After reviewing 113 studies from 17 countries, COVID-19 transmission mostly occurs in the early stages of infection," and maintained the position that "5 days of isolation is sufficient."

The New York Times (NYT) reported, "It was expected that the CDC would add COVID-19 testing to the isolation release requirements for asymptomatic individuals, but surprisingly, testing was not made mandatory."

Experts have mixed opinions on this CDC policy.

Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Institute, criticized, "Shortening isolation should be done together with testing," and said, "The CDC is increasing confusion."

On the other hand, Dr. Howard Forman of Yale University supported the CDC guidelines, saying, "The existing 10-day isolation is no different from a lockdown policy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.