CDC changes asymptomatic COVID-19 testing recommendations

Editor's Note

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) on August 24 changed its recommendations on testing asymptomatic people for COVID-19. The CDC is no longer recommending asymptomatic testing.

The new guidance includes the following:

• For those who have been in close contact (within 6 feet) of a person with COVID-19 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 healthcare provider or State or local public health officials recommend you take one.”
• For those who do not have COVID-19 symptoms and have not been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19—“You do not need a test. If you decide to be tested, you should self-isolate at home until your test results are known, and then adhere to your healthcare provider’s advice. This does not apply to routine screening or surveillance testing at work, school, or similar situations.”