People infected with Omicron still need to be isolated for at least 5-7 days

Many scientists believe that what makes Omicrons able to spread faster is that the time between infection and being able to transmit the virus to others is so short. This hypothesis also suggests that the time the virus stays in the body of the patient is also shorter than when infected with previously detected variants. Based on this information, many countries have reduced or completely eliminated the 7-day isolation period for people who are positive for the virus.

However, Dr Marjolein Irwin-Knoester, a virologist from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, said she felt the data supporting the hypothesis was not really convincing. She points to several laboratory studies that suggest that people infected with Omicron can transmit the virus to others for a period from 2 days before the onset of symptoms and up to 7 days after the onset of illness.

This interval is similar in COVID-19 patients infected with other variants. However, Dr Irwin-Knoester acknowledged that the Omicron variant causes milder disease, so it is “acceptable” for countries to decide to reduce the isolation period at this time.

According to Dr Irwin-Knoester, a 7-day quarantine period is safe for all cases, but a reduction to about 5 days is also “acceptable” to achieve the goal of both containing the disease and bringing lives. back to normal. She also noted that people with COVID-19 who still show respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sneezing after 7 days of isolation should continue to be isolated for a full 10-14 days.

The isolation period is even longer for people who are seriously ill or have immunocompromised problems because the virus can persist in these people for months. Dr Irwin-Knoester recommends that if a new variant that causes more serious illness emerges, countries should consider reinstating quarantine regulations, for a minimum of 7 days.