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American Medical Association slams CDC for 'mixed messaging' on new isolation guidelines and says five-day rule 'puts patients lives at risk' and could 'overwhelm' healthcare system

  The American Medical Association has issued a stinging rebuke to CDC for halving the isolation time for people who catch COVID from ten da...

 The American Medical Association has issued a stinging rebuke to CDC for halving the isolation time for people who catch COVID from ten days to five.

Gerald Harmon, the president of the AMA, issued a remarkable statement against his fellow medical experts, claiming the new rule could lead to hospitals being overwhelmed. 

'Nearly two years into this pandemic, with Omicron cases surging across the country, the American people should be able to count on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for timely, accurate, clear guidance to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities,' Harmon said. 

'Instead, the new recommendations on quarantine and isolation are not only confusing, but are risking further spread of the virus.'

Harmon said that the updated guidance meant 'tens of thousands - potentially hundreds of thousands of people - could return to work and school infectious if they follow the CDC's new guidance', and that would risk overwhelming the healthcare system.

Gerald Harmon, the head of the AMA, criticized the CDC for their new recommendations

Gerald Harmon, the head of the AMA, criticized the CDC for their new recommendations

Dr Rochelle Walensky, the head of the CDC, updated the guidance on isolation on December 27

Dr Rochelle Walensky, the head of the CDC, updated the guidance on isolation on December 27

'A negative test should be required for ending isolation after one tests positive for COVID-19. Reemerging without knowing one's status unnecessarily risks further transmission of the virus,' he said.

Harmon concluded that the shortage of testing should not be used as an excuse to end a testing requirement at the end of isolation.

On December 27, the CDC reduced the recommended time from 10 days to five, with the CDC saying the update was due to the latest data. From day five to 10, the patient can resume normal life, but always wearing a face mask.


Anyone who is yet to receive their booster should follow the same guidelines - five days quarantine, five days wearing a mask - if they are exposed, but those boosted need not quarantine, and must only wear a mask for 10 days. 

'The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after,' they said.

Yet Dr Rochelle Walensky, head of the CDC, appeared to suggest that the update was also in response to concern from industry that the current surge was putting swathes of their staffers out of action, and making their businesses grind to a halt. 

'The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society,' Walensky said. 

'These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives.' 

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