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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its COVID-19 guidelines, eliminating the recommendation for a five-day isolation period after testing positive for COVID-19.

The CDC is now advising individuals to stay home when feeling sick and symptomatic, emphasizing the importance of being fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication before resuming normal activities. High-risk individuals are encouraged to seek medical care immediately upon experiencing symptoms.

CDC Director Mandy Cohen stated, “Today’s announcement reflects the progress we have made in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19. However, we still must use the commonsense solutions we know work to protect ourselves and others from serious illness from respiratory viruses—this includes vaccination, treatment, and staying home when we get sick.” These updates come after observing a significant decrease in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.

Despite the reduction in cases, the CDC emphasizes the importance of prevention strategies, such as staying home when sick, which can be implemented without testing, given the underdiagnosis of most infections.

The updated guidance has received mixed reactions, with some health advocates criticizing the move as prioritizing business interests over public health. Lara Jirmanus, a member of the People’s CDC, argued that it’s inappropriate to equate COVID-19 with the flu due to its “unique” characteristics, such as being infectious before symptom onset and not being seasonal.