LANSING, MI - On December 27, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a statement shortening the recommended time for COVID-19 isolation. Those positive with COVID-19 now only need to isolate for 5 days. After the initial 5 days, the CDC is recommending people to wear a mask for another five days when around others in order to minimize the risk infection.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released a statement on December 29 stating that they would uphold the ten day isolation protocol until they decided how to move forward. On December 31, they released a second statement announcing that they would be updating their quarantine guidance to reflect the current recommendations from the CDC.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive, had this to say in the statement, “These most recent updates to the quarantine and isolation guidelines are a reflection on our progress as we learn more about COVID – but we are not in the clear as variants like omicron continue to create new challenges in the fight to end this pandemic. Continue to wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth, test and social distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19, avoid large gatherings and get vaccinated and boosted if you haven’t already.”

More information on the updated protocols can be found at the websites below.