CDC drops 5-day COVID isolation guidelines. Here's how long you should quarantine in 2024

Raphael Romero Ruiz, Arizona Republic
Updated ·3 min read
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Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 do not need to isolate themselves or stay at home for five days, according to new guidance from the CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on March 1 that the five-day isolation period, which has been in place since 2021, will be lifted. In a 25-page document providing background for the updated respiratory virus guidance, the agency notes, "COVID-19 remains an important public health threat, but it is no longer the emergency that it once was."

The changes come after reports in February 2024 that the policy overhaul was in the works at the CDC.

The change in guidance follows similar changes made by California and Oregon, which dropped their five-day isolation recommendation in January 2024.

COVID vaccine recommendations

Additionally, at the end of February, the agency recommended that people aged 65 and over should receive a second shot of the updated COVID vaccine this spring. This group of people is categorized as the most at risk of severe illness from the disease.

This recommendation comes after a surge of cases nationwide between October and January. According to data presented during the agency's announcement, seniors accounted for two-thirds of hospitalizations from COVID-19.

Below are some symptoms individuals should look for and the latest CDC isolation guidance for respiratory viruses including COVID-19.

What are the latest CDC COVID quarantine rules?

The CDC has dropped the five-day isolation guidance for people with COVID-19 and replaced it with general guidance for individuals experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus.

Though this guidance no longer asks individuals to isolate for a period of five days, it still recommends that people stay home and away from others if they experience symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue and headache among others. After 24 hours, individuals can return to their normal activities if they have not had a fever without the help of fever reducers and if the overall symptoms of a respiratory virus have gotten better.

What are Arizona’s isolation guidelines for people with COVID-19?

The Arizona Department of Health Services notes that its recommendation aligns with the CDC's latest guidance. The AZDHS provides a webpage with resources and guidance for the community. On it, the agency links to the CDC's guide on preventing the spread of respiratory viruses.

What are COVID-19 symptoms in 2024?

The CDC published a list of potential symptoms people have reported after being infected with COVID-19. The list, last updated in October 2022, is the most recent information from the agency.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear two to 14 days after an individual has been exposed. The symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Headache

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion or runny nose

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Diarrhea

Other symptoms that could signal that an individual must seek emergency medical attention include:

  • Trouble breathing

  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

  • New confusion

  • Inability to wake or stay awake

  • Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone

Have a question you need answered? Reach the reporter at rromeroruiz@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @raphaeldelag.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: CDC updates COVID isolation guidelines: Vaccines, masks and symptoms