On Thursday August 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released several new guidance documents relating to COVID-19, including:
These documents acknowledge that although COVID-19 continues to circulate, high levels of vaccine- and infection-induced immunity, along with effective treatments and prevention tools, have reduced the risk of severe illness. This now allows the CDC to minimize public health interventions and reduce barriers to social, educational and economic activity. It remains important for individuals to know their risk, protect themselves with vaccines, and take actions if exposed or if testing positive.
The Illinois Department of Public Health intends to align fully with the new guidance documents and will be releasing updated guidance documents soon. Most notably, is the move to no longer recommend quarantine for those exposed to COVID-19, except in high-risk settings, such as homeless shelters, nursing homes or jails. Rather, persons exposed to someone with COVID-19 should wear a well-fitted mask when around others at home or indoors in public for 10 days, monitor for symptoms and test if symptoms develop at least five days after your last exposure.
Click here to see additional information published on August 30, 2022.