CDC No Longer Recommends Asymptomatic Close Contacts Of Coronavirus Patients To Get Tested

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its COVID-19 testing guidelines and as per the fresh changes, it is no longer required for asymptomatic people to get tested for coronavirus, even if they may have come in close contact with coronavirus patients.

Previously, the CDC has guidelines that people who did have or are suspected to have exposure to coronavirus patient needs to be tested as well.

"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," mentioned the CDC website previously.

This statement has been updated to "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."

The CDC has said that no everyone who has or thinks that they may have come in contact with COVID patients needs to get tested. However, they must self-isolate or quarantine at home and follow the advice of their healthcare expert in case of any confusion.

However, the agency did add that some people may still need the test if they are symptomatic or if their healthcare practitioner advises them to undergo a test.

The update in the CDC guidelines has left the doctors confused and surprised at the same time.

"I'm concerned that these recommendations suggest someone who has had substantial exposure to a person with Covid-19 now doesn't need to get tested," said Dr. Leana Wen of the George Washington University.

She further questioned if the update has been made due to a deficit in testing since contact tracing is one of the most important aspects of controlling the pandemic. She also pointed out the fact that the guidelines are surprising considering that 50 percent of all coronavirus transmission happens because of asymptomatic people.