CDC loosens guidance on quarantining, social distancing for COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new COVID-19 guidance Thursday, loosening recommendations that have been in place since the onset of the pandemic.

Why it matters: The shift marks a significant change in how the nation deals with COVID-19 more than two years after the pandemic began. A majority of Americans are now fully vaccinated against the virus or have been exposed to it.

Be smart: The CDC is now putting more of an emphasis on personal choices to make informed decisions to protect oneself and others from severe illness, including by vaccination and masking.

Details: The agency is relaxing both quarantine and social distancing guidance.

Unvaccinated people who are exposed to COVID-19 are no longer advised to quarantine for five days if they have not tested positive for the virus or are not showing symptoms.