The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that countries witnessing a surge in COVID-19 infections may shorten the recommended quarantine duration of 14 days under certain situations.

The new guidelines may be helpful for places where essential services are currently under pressure, said the WHO. The global health agency said that quarantine time could be reduced to 10 days without a test, and to 7 days in case of a negative test, given that the individual does not develop any symptoms. Situations where testing is not possible, the absence of symptoms could serve as an alternate for testing, said the WHO interim guidance. The agency further stated that countries may consider easing the contact tracing measures in similar situations. For contacts of individuals infected with COVID-19, those who have the highest risk of getting infected, such as healthcare workers, must be given priority, besides people at high risk of developing severe disease, like those who have underlying medical conditions or the unvaccinated individuals… (Reuters, February 17, 2022)