The CDC Just Released Updated Guidelines And Now Say People Exposed To COVID-19 May Not Need to Be Tested

I just read the updated CDC guidelines surrounding testing for those that may have been exposed to COVID-19 and this is me right about now…

I am not kidding when I say, I am utterly confused!

As of this morning, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has changed its Covid-19 testing guidelines to say some people without symptoms may not need to be tested.

Again, how does this make sense?

These guidelines are even for those that have been in close contact with someone known to have the virus.

Previously, the CDC said viral testing was appropriate for people with recent or suspected exposure, even if they were asymptomatic.

“Testing is recommended for all close contacts of persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Because of the potential for asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, it is important that contacts of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection be quickly identified and tested.”
CDC previous guidelines

Now, the keyword here is “asymptomatic” because you may have heard, you can actually have the virus and have NO symptoms at all which means you can further spread it without knowing.

Which is entirely why I am having the hardest time understanding these newly updated guidelines.

In fact, I am not the only one. Even doctors are saying these updated guidelines make no sense…

Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University who was previously Baltimore’s health commissioner, said on CNN’s New Day on Wednesday that the testing guideline changes make no sense.

“These are exactly the people who should be tested,” Wen said, giving the example of a person exposed at work who wants a test so they can protect their family at home.
CNN

The CDC has since updated the site to now say:

“If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet) of a person with a COVID-19 infection for at least 15 minutes but do not have symptoms, you do not necessarily need a test unless you are a vulnerable individual or your health care provider or State or local public health officials recommend you take one.”
CDC

Now, I get they don’t want people taking tests we so desperately need BUT wouldn’t it be safe rather than sorry here? I’d sure assume so.

Bottom line, I worry people will think they won’t need to get tested at all and these newly updated guidelines will just confuse everyone and cause a bit of choas but what do I know? I am not a doctor nor professional.