DC Has Updated Its Testing Guidelines for COVID-19 and We’re Concerned

DC Has Updated Its Testing Guidelines for COVID-19 and We’re Concerned
SHARE

CDC has made a bold statement. They have changed their testing guidelines for the new coronavirus. CDC no longer recommends testing for people that show no symptoms – even if they’ve been in contact with someone infected with the virus. Previously, the agency stated that testing should be done for people with recent exposure even if they didn’t show any symptoms. They said: Testing is recommended for all close contacts of persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Because of the potential for asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, it is important that contacts of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection be quickly identified and tested.”

 

Who needs a test and who doesn’t?

 

 Now they are talking about another situation. “If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet) of a person with a COVID-19 infection for at least 15 minutes but do not have symptoms, you do not necessarily need a test unless you are a vulnerable individual or your health care provider or State or local public health officials recommend you take one.” It seems that those people who didn’t have contact with someone infected with the virus don’t really need a test. But if you do get tested, you should isolate yourself at home while waiting for the results. 

 

People should keep in mind that if they are infected, they can spread the virus to other people as well, even if they have no symptoms. According to some sources, about 40% of the cases don’t show any symptoms, and 50% of the transmissions happen before the patient has symptoms. 

 

Following the new statement made by CDC, doctors were shocked. Dr. Leana Wen stated that the statement suggests that someone who has been exposed to an infected person doesn’t need to get tested, which puts the lives of many others in danger. 

 

 


SHARE

Anna is an avid blogger with an educational background in medicine and mental health. She is a generalist with many other interests including nutrition, women's health, astronomy and photography. In her free time from work and writing, Anna enjoys nature walks, reading, and listening to jazz and classical music.

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.