CDC Goes Full-On Trump

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian on Tuesday asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to halve its recommended quarantine time for vaccinated people who contract Covid-19, saying the current isolation period could negatively affect the airline’s operations.

Bastian wrote to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky proposing a five-day recommended quarantine period for fully vaccinated individuals who contract Covid. The existing recommendation calls for a 10-day period of isolation.

“Our employees represent an essential workforce to enable Americans who need to travel domestically and internationally,” wrote Bastian, along with the airline’s chief health officer Henry Ting and medical advisor Carlos del Rio. “With the rapid spread of the omicron variant, the 10-day isolation for those who are fully vaccinated may significantly impact our workforce and operations.”

The CDC listened to Delta.

People who test positive for the coronavirus need to isolate themselves for only five days if they don't show symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday. This cuts in half the earlier recommendation of 10 days of isolation.
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The CDC has also updated its recommended quarantine period for people exposed to the virus. It says unvaccinated people should quarantine for five days, followed by five days of "strict mask use."
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"The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society," said the CDC's director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, in a statement. "CDC's updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses. These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives."

And if you're sick and feeling better, rock on:

People whose symptoms are getting better may also leave their homes after five days so long as their symptoms are improving, the CDC said. People who have a fever should stay home until the fever clears up, the CDC added.

So the CDC thinks it's OK to run the risk of the virus spreading if people have the virus so Delta and the other airlines can get their planes in the air. Does the CDC really think that those who have had their quarantine shortened ew foinf ro wear a mask everywhere?

"Ecch, you're feeling a little bit better. Go forth and spread the virus."-- That sounds like something that the Trump Administration would have said.

At this point, I'd be more inclined to rely on either the World Health Organization than the CDC. The WHO also is politically influenced, but probably less than the CDC. The Dutch guidelines make more sense; ten days after diagnosis or exposure, five days after exposure if you have a negative test on day five.

Guess Delta has no pull in the Netheralnds.