Reports of a significant change in COVID-19 isolation policy still haven’t been verified yet.
It has been reported the CDC is looking at shortening the isolation period from five days, regardless of the situation, to 24 hours after going fever-free without the use of medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If that happens, Lyon County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director Dennis Applegarth says that will be a big step for patients.
Because the federal recommendations haven’t changed, Applegarth says COVID patients still need to isolate for at least five days.
The discussion on COVID policy at the federal level comes as winter illnesses continue locally. Applegarth says there has been an increase in flu cases, notably influenza B. There have been “some” COVID cases, while RSV cases have been trending lower for nearly two months.
Applegarth is still encouraging residents to get vaccinated, especially against COVID-19.
