The CDC Relaxes COVID Quarantine and Social Distancing Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just relaxed quarantine and social distancing guidelines for those who have COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus.

The changes come more than two years after the start of the pandemic.  Health officials say they now believe an estimated 95% of those 16 and older in the United States have some level of immunity, either from having the virus or being vaccinated.

The recommendation of social distancing, staying at least six feet apart, has also been relaxed.

Masks are no longer recommended unless community transmission of the virus is said to be high, or if a person is considered at high risk of severe illness.

As children are heading back to the classroom to begin a new school year, most school districts across the country have made masks optional.  Most have also eliminated COVID-19 teting requirements.

The CDC says, "people who test positive should continue to isolate from others for at least five days, regardless of whether they were vaccinated.  People can end isolation if they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication and they are without symptoms or symptoms are improving."