COVID guidelines further relax, causing mixed emotions for some

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – If you test positive for COVID, you no longer have to isolate for at least five days.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rolled out new COVID guidelines late last week, the most relaxed guidelines we’ve seen yet.

Over four years ago, the U.S. had it’s first confirmed case of Coronavirus. People began isolating, masking up, and taking health precautions like never before.

“We’ve been kind of isolated for a long time. We kinda need to get back out there. A lot of us are kinda awkward if I’m gonna be honest,” said Julia Holliday, an MSU Student.

Getting closer to pre-COVID times… the CDC now recommends treating COVID similar to the cold or flu, returning to normal once you’re fever-free for 24 hrs, with mild improving symptoms.

“Other states and countries have already done this before, so there’s been a lot of data showing these guideline changes are appropriate. They haven’t seen any additional hospitalizations, or an increase in hospitalization, or deaths,” said Nichole Boland, Sparrow’s Infection Preventionist Lead.

If you’re sick with respiratory symptoms, Sparrow says you should still stay home, and mask up while symptoms last.

“I’m excited about it, I think people are generally excited to get back to our pre-COVID times,” said Boland.

Sparrow is still following CDC guidelines for healthcare providers, to help protect their most vulnerable patients.

Community members Monday, had mixed emotions about the changes.

“I think that ending the isolation for the 5 days was a good idea, but also I think you definitely still have to be cautious,” said Valerie Zamora, an MSU Student.

“I could see some problems arising from it, but if we’ve progressed enough to like where we can treat it like the flu, then I think it’s very good,” said Connor Digasbarro, an MSU Student.

Students say they hope people are honest about their symptoms, to protect others from the deadly virus.

While there are still occasional spikes, the CDC says hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 are all on a downward trend.

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