The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is discussing possible changes to its isolation recommendations for individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. One change could be reducing or altering the recommended number of days during which those with the virus should isolate, similar to what health officials in California and Oregon have recently done.
The problem I have with any potential changes is this: The general public lacks consideration when it comes to being careful when coughing and sneezing and even breathing near others.
In general, except with close friends and family, an individual won’t know what the health history is of people standing near them in a lift (“elevator” for Yanks), on a train, or at an airport, or sitting near them in a conference room or auditorium. In fact, it doesn’t have to be that near them per se as we learnt in early 2020 how far droplets and aerosols can travel when helped by fans and air conditioners.
It’s quite true that we have by and large learnt to live with Covid, but for most people in the community – but not everybody – an infection is something that one can shrug off. The vulnerable among us don’t always have their identifying beanies on and lots of people look like the picture of health, even though their immune systems may be compromised for one of many dozens of reasons, ranging from taking transplant medications to having HIV.
Regardless of whether there are changes now or in the future, it’s important for common sense to prevail. We’ve told our colleagues in our offices for the past few decades, “if you are sick or feel you might be sick, stay home.”
Powering through illness and disease is a terrible idea, not only for the patient but for everyone around him. Coming in coughing and sneezing, with eyes watering, is not a good look. Perhaps we should even make a slogan or meme out of that. Regardless as to whether it’s SARS-CoV-2, RSV, the flu, a gastrointestinal bug, or the common cold, stay home. We all worked at home for at least a year or two, a few extra days won’t kill you now.
When the person in question is feeling much better and is asymptomatic, then and only then it is time to return to the office. And for good measure, don a face mask for the first few days back in the office. Now that’s a good look.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
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