Breaking News: CDC Shakes Up COVID Guidelines – No More 5-Day Isolation for Positive Cases!

CDC Reduces COVID-19 Isolation Period

On March 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that five days of isolation are no longer required following a positive COVID-19 test. The CDC now recommends that those who develop COVID-19 symptoms stay home and away from others until they are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication and their symptoms improve.

Four years after the start of COVID-19, the virus remains an important public health threat but is no longer the emergency that it was. Now that COVID-19’s health impacts increasingly resemble those of other respiratory illnesses, the CDC recommends a unified approach to COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The CDC’s updated Respiratory Virus Guidelines are now independent of a positive COVID-19 test; rather, individuals should monitor themselves for various respiratory virus symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache.

TCWGlobal has monitored and assisted companies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to lead clients through the changing compliance landscape. As an Employer of Record, TCWGlobal is prepared to guide businesses compliantly through the end of COVID-19 virus-specific regulations.

In light of the CDC’s new unified Respiratory Virus Guidelines, here are a few things companies can do to ensure your policies are compliant with the ever-changing regulations:

Review State Requirements

Although the CDC has deemed COVID-19 no longer an emergency, numerous states still require compliance with COVID-19 prevention programs. Additionally, in jurisdictions that have paid sick leave laws, a case of COVID-19 would be a qualifying reason for a worker to use their accrued sick pay. In extremely serious cases, workers may qualify for FMLA, paid family leave, or other kin care programs under state provisions to tend to ill family members.

Review Safety Standards

While many states continue to have their own COVID-19 regulations, it is important not to forget other regulatory agencies, such as the state’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), when thinking about compliance with all relevant regulations. For example, on February 3, 2023, Cal/OSHA implemented Non-Emergency COVID-19 regulations that will remain in place for two years.

While these regulations are mildly less restrictive, the standards still require 8 broad steps that companies must take when faced with COVID-19 outbreaks. Additionally, safety standards can vary based on the company’s industry, from healthcare to education. TCWGlobal is here to help keep them clear and keep companies compliant.

Recommend COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccinations

As of February 3, 2024, 22% of adults reported receiving a COVID-19 booster. Reductions in COVID-19 hospitalizations would be even more dramatic if even more people, especially those at greater risk got vaccinated. Vaccinations remain part of the CDC’s core strategy for reducing the risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.

With the popularity of onsite vaccination clinics, booking one would be a simple and efficient way to encourage workers to keep up to date on their shots and promote overall workplace health.

As we have throughout COVID-19 and for the past 15 years, TCWGlobal is committed to ensuring our clients stay up-to-date and compliant with the latest regulations. Using our policy knowledge and understanding of a business’ employment needs, TCWGlobal is ready to lead clients through the end of COVID-19 virus-specific regulations.

If you need assistance with your COVID-19 policies, compliance, or other employment needs, please contact our global support team at (858) 810-3000 or email us at hello@tcwglobal.com, and we will get your questions answered!

For more information on the CDC’s updated Respiratory Virus Guidelines, please visit this resource: New CDC Covide Guidance