CDC Reverses Guidelines on Asymptomatic Testing For Those Exposed to COVID-19
Last month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed testing guidelines stating that asymptomatic people did not need to be tested for COVID-19, today they reversed this guideline.
Many originally thought the change to not test those not showing symptoms was a political move to keep case numbers down. Now facts are showing that asymptomatic people can be carriers for COVID-19 and that they need to be tested if they encounter someone who has been exposed.
Last month @HHS_ASH defended a change in @CDCgov testing guidelines that said asymptomatic people shouldn’t be tested even if exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Today they reversed that, and explained why.
But last month we already knew about asymptomatic transmission. pic.twitter.com/rXBlFwsCtd
— Weijia Jiang (@weijia) September 18, 2020
Experts say that a vaccine could be available sometime next year, but that the effect may not be guaranteed. CDC director, Dr. Robert Redfield, said before a Senate committee that a mask may be more effective than a vaccine and that if more Americans committed to a face mask, we could slow the spread. This claim goes against the message being sent by the President who has not been an advocator for wearing a mask. The confusion has been stirring public distrust with the CDC and the government. The issue of wearing a mask has been highly politicized, with “anti-maskers” protesting in stores.
Florida Anti-Maskers invade a Target. They think it’s funny…pic.twitter.com/HpOf1xZTiu
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) September 16, 2020
Use the Coronavirus Self-Checker to help decide when to seek testing or medical care for #COVID19. Learn more: https://t.co/25nXiRzAWb. pic.twitter.com/ZzEtuVlQZV
— CDC (@CDCgov) September 18, 2020
The information and guidelines are changing as more facts about COVID-19 are discovered. The best way to stay healthy is to stay informed. To find about symptoms, testing information, and more, visit the CDC’s website here.