“I am not sure if these recommendations were based on the labs being overwhelmed or a desire to make the case numbers look better; regardless, I am stunned by these recommendations.”<\/p>\n

\u2014 Dr. Ravina Kullar<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dr. Aaron Glatt,\u00a0a member of the Infectious Disease Society of America, also weighed in.<\/p>\n

“What this practically means to me as a clinician and epidemiologist is that we still must try and test individuals exposed to COVID-19, but recognize that a negative test is worthless to rule out infection. A 14-day quarantine is still required for all exposed individuals,” Glatt said.<\/p>\n

\u201cA positive test result remains very helpful to reinforce the absolute seriousness of their exposure, and testing should be obtained wherever possible to promote optimal quarantine compliance,” added Glatt, who is an\u00a0infectious disease expert from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.<\/p>\n

“Suboptimal testing capabilities for COVID-19 have been the single most important issue we have faced in dealing with COVID-19. Delays in obtaining results, the accuracy of the results, and the inadequate resources to do mass testing have significantly impacted our ability to prevent COVID-19 spread. This issue is not addressed by the updated guidelines,” Glatt continued.<\/p>\n