Fauci on omicron variant in winter: It's going to be tough 1:40
(CNN) -
Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering relaxing its recommendations for the length of isolation for people. fully vaccinated, particularly healthcare workers, who test positive for COVID-19 but have no symptoms.
Fauci's comments were the strongest yet from the nation's leading infectious disease expert in favor of revising the CDC's isolation guide, which recommends a full 10 days for people who have the virus, even if they are asymptomatic.
Fauci told CNN that "no decisions have been made yet," but that there is discussion about allowing infected healthcare workers who are asymptomatic to return to work sooner, as new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and are expected to put pressure on the healthcare system.
"For example, if a healthcare worker is infected and has no symptoms, you don't want to put that person out of work for too long because, especially if we need hospital beds and healthcare staff, that's something that at least will be considered, at least will be considered, "Fauci told CNN's John Berman on" New Day. "
Fauci said health care workers who test positive may end their isolation period earlier and return to work if they do not have symptoms and wear N-95 masks and other personal protective equipment.
The omicron variant of the coronavirus is now the most dominant strain in the United States, accounting for more than 73% of new coronavirus cases last week.
While they believe the omicron variant is more contagious, scientists are still waiting for data on the severity of the variant in the US compared to others, but so far, most omicron cases appear to be mild among those who are fully vaccinated.
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Fauci also said Tuesday that Americans who are fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 should feel comfortable traveling on vacation and meeting family members who are also fully vaccinated and boosted, provided they are careful.
"You must be prudent and always take special care, because you are dealing with an unprecedented situation of a virus that has an extraordinary transmission capacity," he told CNN, adding: "When you are at home with vaccines and boosted people, they can feel comfortable enjoying the Christmas celebration. "
He stressed that vaccination is the "main front line of protection" against COVID-19.
"Testing is important, as is wearing masks. But the really important thing for people to do is get vaccinated. If you're fully vaccinated, you need to get a booster dose," he told CNN.
CDC interim clinical considerations define "fully vaccinated" as having completed two doses of the Pfizer / BioNTech or Moderna coronavirus vaccines, or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Fauci had previously said that the CDC might consider redefining what it means to be "fully vaccinated" against COVID-19 to include a third dose of vaccine.
When asked Tuesday how often Americans should get tested now that cases are on the rise again, Fauci said it depends on the situation.
He suggested that fully vaccinated Americans who received their booster may want to get tested if they want to "go the extra mile."
Anthony Fauci