The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in late December cut from 10 to seven the number of quarantine days for some fully vaccinated and boosted healthcare workers.
Guidance issued just before Christmas applies to those whose symptoms abate or those who can produce a negative COVID test. The move was meant to help relieve staffing shortages as nursing homes and other providers struggled with a COVID surge.
“We know how challenged nursing homes and all long-term care facilities have been in keeping their staff healthy and working. If you’re boosted, you can keep working,” said the CDC’s Arjun Srinivasan, M.D. “You can not only serve your patients but you can also help your fellow staff members.”
The updated guidance led to wide confusion, especially as the agency issued different advice for the general public around the same time. The quarantine and isolation recommendations take into account a healthcare worker’s vaccination status if they are exposed or infected with the disease.
From the January/February 2022 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
