Aug 14, 2020 - Health

CDC: Those who recover from COVID-19 have 3-month window for safe mingling

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Test tubes with blood samples of donors that have developed antibodies against the coronavirus. Photo: Robin Utrecht/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance Friday evening suggesting that those who test positive for COVID-19 and recover "do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months as long as they do not develop symptoms again."

What they're saying: "...this science does not imply a person is immune to reinfection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the 3 months following infection. The latest data simply suggests that retesting someone in the 3 months following initial infection is not necessary unless that person is exhibiting the symptoms of COVID-19 and the symptoms cannot be associated with another illness."

Details: The CDC continues to recommend social distancing, mask-wearing and other precautions.

Several studies have found that most people who are visibly ill and test positive for the virus develop antibodies.
Other research has highlighted evidence that those with mild or no symptoms could have immunity for two-to-three months, but then levels drop off.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the latest CDC guidance.

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CDC: Those who recover from COVID-19 have 3-month window for safe mingling

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