Despite CDC's new quarantine options, be cautious before changing COVID-19 policies

On December 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance on quarantining: In certain circumstances, individuals potentially exposed to COVID-19 by being in "close contact" with a person who tested positive can take steps to reduce the length of the standard 14-day quarantine period. The new recommendations, however, come with significant caveats and stringent prerequisites. Despite the simplified messaging contained in the media announcement, the CDC still maintains the safest course of action is for a close contact to quarantine for 14 days. Also note the new advice has no impact on the agency's previously issued isolation guidance for people who test positive.

Pros and cons of shorter quarantine periods

The CDC said it was issuing the new recommendations, in part, in recognition of the significant economic, physical, and mental health burdens associated with a 14-day quarantine. If the agency offers options for people to shorten their quarantines, albeit with strict requirements (subject to local public health authority approval), it believes the public may be more willing to comply with the guidance. Also, the CDC hopes a less burdensome quarantine period will encourage more cooperation with local governments' contact tracing efforts.

Employers must understand, however, the new recommendations come with increased risks for postquarantine transmission and were based on the best information available in November 2020. As a result, the CDC was reserving the right to monitor the evolving science and reconsider its advice over time.