The American Medical Association (AMA) on Wednesday blasted controversial national health recommendations that loosen isolation requirements for patients infected with COVID-19.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shortened the quarantine period from 10 days down to five and underscored that a negative test is not needed to end isolation for people without a fever and whose symptoms have improved.
Health experts quickly pushed back on the revision, urging the agency to add a testing requirement. The CDC stood by its decision on Tuesday, which prompted strong words from the nation’s leading medical association.
“Nearly two years into this pandemic, with omicron cases surging across the country, the American people should be able to count on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for timely, accurate, clear guidance to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities,” AMA President Gerald E. Harmon, MD, said Jan. 5. “Instead, the new recommendations on quarantine and isolation are not only confusing, but are risking further spread of the virus.”
The CDC does recommend using an at-home test after a five-day isolation period, but such tests aren’t as sensitive to omicron, the FDA noted, and are currently in short supply. Health officials also suggest wearing a mask five days after quarantine ends.
Harmon urged the Biden administration to “pull all available levers” to increase production and distribution of tests and also called on the CDC to revise its testing policy.
“A negative test should be required for ending isolation after one tests positive for COVID-19,” Harmon said. “Reemerging without knowing one’s status unnecessarily risks further transmission of the virus.”
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.