ATLANTA, Ga. – Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the world has been searching for a sign that life will finally return to normal. Even during the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, health officials advised the public to maintain strict adherence to virus safety protocol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now literally offers fresh air to people who receive the coronavirus vaccine. CDC officials say people who are fully vaccinated no longer need to be quarantined at home if they are exposed to a person with the virus.
For some regions of the United States, government officials have ordered that residents be quarantined fortnight just to travel to the “wrong” states. These new recommendations, introduced on February 10, apply to recipients who are within the first three months of receiving their final dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“People who are fully vaccinated and who meet the criteria no longer need to remain in quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19,” the CDC wrote in a media statement.
The CDC takes note of the physical and mental trauma the public has still suffered through isolation, and says the damage to quarantine is likely at this stage to be greater than the threat of COVID for vaccines.
“In addition, individual and social benefits of avoiding unnecessary quarantine may outweigh the potential but unknown risk of transmission, and it may facilitate the direction of public health resources for those most at risk of passing SARS-CoV-2 on to others. wear. This recommendation to waive quarantine for people with immunity obtained through vaccines is in line with quarantine recommendations for people with natural immunity, which facilitates implementation, ”the agency explains.
How can you avoid quarantine?
Although the end of quarantine measures is welcome news, health officials say the public must meet three key requirements. The first step is to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It can occur in one dose or two doses that patients get 28 days apart.
If exposed to COVID-19, the vaccinated person should also have received it within three months of the injection. For people who receive the two-dose vaccine, the window is opened after receiving the second admission. Finally, the person should remain asymptomatic after their possible exposure to the virus.
If someone does not meet all three of these guidelines, the CDC recommends that the person enter the standard quarantine protocols.
“People who have been fully vaccinated and are not in quarantine should still look for exposure to COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days. If they experience symptoms, they should be clinically evaluated for COVID-19, including SARS-CoV-2 testing, if indicated, ”the CDC adds.
Some people do not qualify for COVID quarantine exemption
Unfortunately, not everyone who gets the vaccine has these freedoms. The CDC guidelines recommend that anyone staying in a hospital or in a health care facility (such as a nursing home) remain in quarantine if they suspect they have been exposed to COVID. Health officials note the high risk of serious infection or death among these groups during the pandemic.
Due to overcrowding in the hospital or possible staff shortages, the agency remains flexible with this recommendation.
“While not preferred, healthcare facilities may consider waiving vaccinated quarantine patients and residents as a strategy to mitigate critical issues … when other options are unsuccessful or unavailable,” the CDC said.