“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,” the site now says. This update adjusts the changes made in August. The previous update stated, “If you have been in close contact (within six 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.“ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb Doctors and health experts cautioned that this August update to the guidelines could be dangerous due to the significant number of asymptomatic and presymptomatic cases circulating. RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. The most recent update may have been made in response to the criticism the last update received. “Due to the significance of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, this guidance further reinforces the need to test asymptomatic persons, including close contacts of a person with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection,” the CDC writes about the September update. In accordance with current CDC guidance, people should get tested for COVID if they demonstrate symptoms or have come into contact—defined as within six feet for at least 15 minutes—with a person who has COVID, even if they’re not experiencing any symptoms themselves. And if you think you were already sick, You Might Have Had COVID If You Had This Symptom in December, Study Finds.
