“Even an asymptomatic person should test negative”… US, review supplementary guidelines for shortening quarantine period

[이데일리 장영은 기자] It is reported that the U.S. health authorities are considering a plan to have asymptomatic people check for infection before lifting quarantine. This reflects the fact that there is a growing concern about the recent shortening of the quarantine period and not compulsory testing for COVID-19 before the quarantine is lifted.

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), an expert on infectious diseases in the United States, appeared on CNN on the 2nd (local time) and appeared on CNN broadcasts, etc. He said that he is considering adding a requirement to confirm ‘negative’ by conducting a test.

In guidelines released on the 27th of last month, the CDC has shortened the recommended quarantine period for patients who are infected with the COVID-19 virus but have no symptoms from 10 days to 5 days. Masks must be worn for 5 days after quarantine is lifted. It is said that asymptomatic individuals can escape from quarantine and visit public places on the 6th day of quarantine on condition that they wear a mask.

Currently, after the 5-day quarantine period has elapsed, there is no need to confirm whether or not to be negative for COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test or PCR (gene amplification) test that proves negative.

Medical experts have criticized the guidelines for shortening the quarantine period, which skipped testing procedures, fearing that these guidelines could lead to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In particular, as this guideline applies to those who have not vaccinated and those who have been vaccinated for six months after receiving two doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, there is concern that there is a possibility of spreading the Corona 19 virus even if there are no symptoms.

In response to these criticisms, the CDC maintained its position that it would adhere to the existing proposal, saying that it was a guideline that reflected the latest research results. This is in consideration of the fact that the hospital system is under pressure due to the increase in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, and companies are suffering from a manpower shortage due to the long quarantine period.

However, as the controversy over the possibility of the spread of the corona continues, it seems that they have decided to review ways to revise and supplement the guidelines. Fauci said the CDC is well aware of the criticism of the quarantine guidelines and will take a new stance soon.