The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidance on the recommended COVID-19 isolation period. The agency told people that if they have access to a COVID-19 test and want to take it, it is best to use a rapid test toward the end of their 5-day isolation period.

The agency faced criticism and pressure to include a testing component in the new decreased isolation period. The updated recommendations do not advise a test for isolated people; however, they provide guidance on how people should respond to a test result if they decide to take one. If the test returns positive, isolated people are advised to carry on with their isolation until 10 days after symptom onset. If the test returns negative, isolated people can end the isolation but should wear a mask around other people until the 10th day. The guidance advises people in isolation to avoid places where it is not possible to wear a mask, such as restaurants and gyms, and to avoid eating around others until the 10th day… (CNN, January 5, 2022)