HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – 66th Medical Squadron officials have announced updated guidance for those who test positive for COVID.
“The new update per CDC guidelines is that if patients test positive for COVID, they are no longer required to stay at home for five days and quarantine,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Gough, chief of Aerospace Medicine. “The new guidance is they should remain at home until their symptoms are improving and they have not had a fever for 24 hours.”
Clinic officials do recommend individuals wear a mask upon returning to work for at least 10 days from symptom onset.
The decision follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated COVID guidelines announced March 1.
According to the CDC, this new guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower their risk from common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
Key highlights of the updated guidance include staying current with vaccinations to mitigate the risk of hospitalization and death, and maintaining rigorous hygiene practices, according to clinic officials.
Immunizations for COVID are available Monday through Friday at the clinic and should be booked through the appointment line or by calling 781-225-6789, option 1. Walk-ins for COVID vaccines are available on a space-available basis.
Testing is not offered to asymptomatic individuals who identify as close contacts.