The U.S. CDC on Monday (Dec. 27) shortened the recommended isolation time for asymptomatic Americans who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 to five days from the previous guidance of 10 days. Those who still test positive after quarantining should then spend the next five days wearing a mask when around others.
The CDC also gave guidance for people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second COVID-19 shot and not yet boosted, recommending quarantine for five days followed by mask use for an additional six days.
Additionally, individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following exposure to COVID-19 but should wear a mask for 10 days, the CDC said.