One number we've gotten used to seeing during the pandemic is 10. As in 10 days, the minimum

time someone should quarantine after they test positive. Now that's changed.

If you're infected and without symptoms, then you have five days of isolation and then

you could go back out into society with a mask worn consistently.

That's Dr. Anthony Fauci on MSNBC describing new guidance from the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention. Guidance which cuts the length of isolation time for asymptomatic

cases in half.

The chances of virus being shed in the first five days is much greater than in the second

five days following infection.

And while Fauci says science supports the shift, the motives behind it also have to do

with the economy.

We don't want to get into a situation where so many people are out from their jobs, many

of which are essential jobs to keep society running smoothly.

So the decision on the part of the CDC is a really prudent and good decision.

I'm really happy to see the CDC make this change.

Dr. Ashish Jot, Dean of Brown University School of Public Health.

Imagine the person who feels totally well, hourly wage worker who misses getting paid if

they don't go to work, asking them to test themselves and then isolate for 10 days when

they feel well is a huge burden.

Jot told NPR that we've known for a while.

People are most contagious the few days before and after symptoms appear.

He says shortening the time of isolation for people who feel well might actually mean

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