Study Of NBA Omicron Cases Finds Many Still Infectious After CDC-Recommended Self-Isolation Period Ends
Topline
A big proportion of individuals contaminated with the omicron variant of coronavirus have been nonetheless contagious once they attain the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management’s really helpful self-isolation exit date of 5 days, based on a Harvard College study of a small variety of circumstances from the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation’s Covid-19 testing program.
The NBA has supplied its in depth testing information to Harvard College for analysis functions … [+]
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Key Details
Amongst omicron circumstances recognized inside a day or much less of a earlier adverse check outcome, greater than half (13 of 25) have been nonetheless infectious 5 days after their first optimistic check, falling to 25% on day six and 13% on day seven, based on the examine, which has not been peer-reviewed.
Researchers categorised sufferers as nonetheless contagious if the cycle threshold depend on their PCR assessments registered a worth lower than 30, which is a “proxy for potential infectivity and antigen check positivity.”
Researchers discovered that among the many 70 recognized omicron circumstances detected two or extra days after a adverse or inconclusive check outcome, 39% have been nonetheless infectious after 5 days, declining to 33% on day six and 22% on day seven.
The paper used information from 10,324 PCR assessments carried out amongst NBA gamers and staff between July 10, 2021, and January 10, 2022.
Key Background
Final month, the CDC shortened its suggestion for self-isolation for asymptomatic individuals who had examined optimistic for Covid from 10 days to 5 days adopted by 5 days of masking round others. The CDC’s choice to not embody a test-out requirement in its up to date tips drew significant criticism, and the Harvard examine provides to a small physique of proof that implies the shortened isolation interval may result in elevated transmission of the virus. Omicron-specific analysis is limited, however a Japanese study from final week discovered that seven of 14 folks with omicron examined optimistic three to 6 days after prognosis. A December paper from the U.Ok. Well being Safety Company discovered that 31% of all Covid-19 circumstances have been nonetheless infectious 5 days after the primary optimistic check.
Essential Quote
Nathan Grubaugh, a Yale College epidemiologist and one of many examine’s senior co-authors, defined his major conclusion from the findings in a Thursday tweet, “Most important take-away = ending isolation at day 5 ought to embody a adverse speedy antigen check. In any other case isolation must be prolonged.”
Additional Studying
Concerns grow over CDC’s isolation guidelines (Axios)
One in seven could still be infectious after five-day Covid isolation (The Guardian)
CDC Cuts Beneficial Covid Isolation Time From 10 To five Days (Forbes)
