RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:
When the CDC announced last week that it was revising recommended isolation times for COVID-positive patients from 10 days to five days, there was no mention of a testing requirement.
A MARTINEZ, HOST:
And that decision drew criticism from health experts for being too lax and confusing. But the CDC is holding firm. Updated guidance from the agency last night maintained that a negative test is not needed for people who are fever free and whose symptoms have improved. Now, all this comes amid a massive omicron surge and rapid testing shortages.
MARTIN: NPR health correspondent Rob Stein is with us this morning. Hey, Rob.
ROB STEIN, BYLINE: Good morning, Rachel.
MARTIN: So as A said, the CDC drew a lot of criticism for not putting in place a testing requirement. How's the agency...
STEIN: Right.
MARTIN: ...Justifying this choice?
STEIN: Yeah. So as you remember, last week, the agency shortened how long infected people have to isolate from 10 days to five as long as they wear a good mask for another five days. But they don't have to test negative to go back out into the world. Critics called the policy reckless, especially with omicron surging. And both Dr. Anthony Fauci and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy strongly hinted over the last few days that the agency would revise the guidelines. Instead, the agency, last night, essentially just reiterated the new guidelines, saying people can test if they want to, but don't have to. And the agency also added some...
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