OK, I've gotten feedback that these tweets are confusing. To clarify: Recently CDC quietly changed its website. First, they no longer recommend quarantine for travelers from high-prevalence areas. Second, they no longer recommend testing for asymptomatic people, even contacts.
Both changes are highly problematic. If explained openly in a press conference, perhaps defensible, tho hard to see how.
Re quarantine, it's not enough to mask, distance, and wash hands. And you can go outside if not near others, but not to crowded spaces. Masks aren't perfect.
Re quarantine, it's not enough to mask, distance, and wash hands. And you can go outside if not near others, but not to crowded spaces. Masks aren't perfect.
Re testing. It's very important to test contacts of cases - in outbreaks and families and elsewhere, so we can find other infected people and trace their contacts and stop webs of transmission. The plain truth is, we don't have enough tests, so we must admit that and prioritize.
Not all asymptomatic people are at the same risk. A 'screening' test of an asymptomatic low-risk worker or college kid returning to school isn't priority. An asymptomatic close contact IS priority for testing. CDC does say defer to state and local guidance, but they should lead.
This is another reason why - tho it appears this will not happen any time soon - CDC scientists should have daily press conferences. They can explain their reasoning and details of recommendations, face hard questions if there are any, and help us all get on the same page.
The fundamental issue is a chaotic Federal response. Whether the FDA, or CDC, or communications from the White House, we'd all be best served by clear, consistent information based on science, drawing us together to fight the only real enemy we have in this pandemic: the virus.
