CDC loosens guidelines for some exposed to virus

Under the guidance, people who are exposed to someone infected are allowed back on the job if they are asymptomatic.
Vice President Mike Pence speaks about the coronavirus in the Briefing Room of the White House on April 7, 2020.
Vice President Mike Pence speaks about the coronavirus in the Briefing Room of the White House on April 7, 2020.Alex Brandon / AP

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By Reuters

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention head on Wednesday said essential workers who are asymptomatic after exposure to a confirmed or suspected coronavirus case can return to work, but should wear face masks and take other precautions.

CDC Director Robert Redfield, speaking at a White House briefing, described new CDC guidance intended to accelerate the return to work of employees in essential sectors like healthcare.

Under the previous guidance, such workers were advised to stay home for 14 days if they were exposed to confirmed or suspected coronavirus cases.

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The new guidance says that workers who are asymptomatic may return to their jobs if they take their temperatures before doing so and wear face masks as well as practice social distancing on the job, Redfield told a White House briefing.

"We want them not to share objects that would be touching their face and we'd like them not to congregate in break rooms, lunch rooms, in crowded places," he said.

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