What implications do the CDC's latest isolation and quarantine guidelines hold for travelers?

In light of a surge in cases linked to the omicron variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated isolation and quarantine protocols for the general public on December 27, 2021.

Specifically, the CDC has reduced the recommended isolation period from 10 days to five for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 but show no symptoms. Moreover, those without symptoms or whose symptoms are resolving can leave isolation after five days but should wear a mask for at least five additional days. Anyone with a fever should remain at home and continue isolating.

The CDC has also provided new recommendations for those who have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. Essentially, if you've received a booster or have been recently vaccinated, you should wear a mask around others for 10 days. If not, it's advised to stay home for five days and then wear a mask for another five days. In both scenarios, testing on day five is recommended if feasible, and you should get tested if any symptoms develop.

When announcing the new isolation and quarantine protocols, the CDC stated, "This adjustment is driven by scientific evidence showing that most SARS-CoV-2 transmission happens early in the illness, typically within 1-2 days before symptoms appear and 2-3 days after."

Here at TPG, we have some inquiries. The main one: What does all of this signify for travel? Below, we will address specific questions, examining what we know, what remains unclear, and what we will monitor in the upcoming weeks.

If I test positive while overseas, can I return to the U.S. sooner now?

According to the current U.S. regulations, it varies. You cannot enter the country by air if you continue to test positive, unless you present a signed letter from a healthcare provider or public health official confirming your clearance for travel. Thus, irrespective of the CDC's guidelines, unless the U.S. alters its entry testing rules, you'll need to stay abroad until you receive a negative test result or clearance from an authorized official.

However, even with the required clearance, you might encounter obstacles with your airline. Many carriers—such as United, American, Delta, and others—require you to confirm that you are COVID-19 negative when checking in online for your flight. If you test positive and are honest, you likely won’t be able to check in online. You could attempt to check in at the airport with your documentation, but there’s still a risk of being denied boarding.

For this reason, make sure to prepare adequately in case you find yourself stranded overseas due to COVID-19.

Will there be any changes to the U.S. testing requirements for air entry?

At present, the requirements remain unchanged. Specifically, U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents must provide evidence of a negative test taken within one day of departure, regardless of their vaccination status, or secure a signed letter from a healthcare provider or public health official confirming their fitness to travel despite a positive test result.

These rules primarily impact travelers entering the U.S. by air. They do not apply if you are driving across the border or arriving via a cruise ship in the U.S.

What implications do the recommendations have for airline passengers?

As the rules currently stand, most airline check-in procedures will complicate matters for COVID-19-positive travelers—even if they have isolated for five days and show no symptoms—because airlines require passengers to confirm during check-in that they haven't recently tested positive for COVID-19. For instance, Delta currently requires its passengers to declare they haven't been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 10 days.

Therefore, the new CDC recommendations do little to assist airline passengers in reaching their destinations promptly after testing positive, even if they adhere to the suggested isolation protocols.

Will airlines modify their policies for travelers?

To date, TPG has not been informed of any updates to check-in policies or attestations in alignment with the new CDC guidelines. However, we will keep a close eye on developments and adjust our content as needed.

It seems no coincidence that Delta, JetBlue, and Airlines for America—on December 21, 22, and 23, respectively—sent letters to the CDC, urging the agency to relax its 10-day isolation and quarantine recommendations for vaccinated individuals who test positive for COVID-19. These letters highlighted the impact that extended recommendations were having on the airlines' workforce, particularly following a surge of canceled holiday flights due to COVID-19 cases among crew members. For instance, here’s the letter from Delta:

The letters primarily aimed at facilitating a quicker return to work for airline staff. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether airlines will adjust their guidelines for passengers.

Will I need to demonstrate that I isolated or that I'm symptom-free?

If you test positive and intend to obtain the necessary signed clearance from a healthcare provider to re-enter the U.S. before achieving a negative test result, you might need to prove that you've isolated for the required duration and that you are not exhibiting any symptoms. The specific requirements will likely differ based on the healthcare provider.

However, for domestic flights, testing is not mandatory. Thus, if airlines modify their check-in attestations or commitments, it will likely still rely on the honor system. Consequently, it's unlikely that anyone will verify whether you've isolated or if you're asymptomatic before a domestic flight.