B.C. shortens isolation time for fully vaccinated people

B.C. has shortened isolation times for people who are fully vaccinated.

British Columbians who have received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine and have no symptoms or if their symptoms of the virus are waning will now only need to self-isolate for five days, as opposed to seven, Dr. Bonnie Henry says.

After that time has passed, if the person’s symptoms have cleared up, they can go about their regular activities while wearing a mask for an additional five days.

“We’ve had a number of discussions across this country looking at data, both from here in B.C., and from other provinces, and from other countries, and we have come to a consensus that with the milder illness that we’re seeing in most people right now that we can make a change to reduce the period of time that people need to be isolated if they’re sick,” B.C.’s provincial health officer said Friday in a year-end update.

NEW: Reducing isolation for vaxxed o 5 days if no symptoms /if symptoms are resolving then must wear mask for five days (same as most other prov) avoid high risk ppl.
Unvaccinated ten days – same as before
"This is a risk mitigation" approach – DBH#bcpoli #covid19 @CityNewsVAN

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) December 31, 2021

There are no changes to timelines for those who are unvaccinated.

Henry says the decision to shorten the isolation period was made knowing Omicron has a shorter incubation period. She says people who get sick with the variant tend to be infectious earlier — about one to two days — before symptoms. She notes the illness also tends to resolve itself more quickly too.

“It’s important that we also take precautions. This is a risk-mitigation strategy. It doesn’t mean that every single person will be through their infectious period, where they’re infectious to others within five days. But the vast majority of people are,” she said.

Despite the shortened isolation period, Henry urges people who now fall into this category to continue taking all precautions necessary to reduce the risk of spread.

Henry says there is still no need for people to be tested either after an exposure to COVID-19 or before the end of the five day isolation.

“For people who have been exposed — even a high-risk exposure — if you’re fully vaccinated, you can continue to carry on your activities, though you must not go to group gatherings and social gatherings, for example where you may be able to spread it to others. You must wear a mask and self-monitor for seven days,” Henry explained.

B.C.’s top doctor admits recommendations on isolation period lengths are ever changing as we continue to learn about the virus and its variants.

On Christmas Eve, Henry said the province was prioritizing PCR tests for those who are most at risk in our community — people 65 years and older, as well as those with underlying medical conditions.

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She asked that people who are not within these groups self-isolate rather than seek out a test if their symptoms were mild.

Health officials, including Henry, have said the number of people infected with the virus is likely higher than the daily cases reported, with the provincial testing system stretched to its limit.

Meanwhile, in addition to changes announced Friday to isolation periods, Henry says the province is expediting booster shots for pregnant people. The province has also announced restrictions on visits to long-term care starting Jan. 1, with only essential visitors allowed into facilities until at least Jan. 18.