Revised CDC Guidelines re: testing for Covid-19
 

Th new guidelines do not make any sense to me, especially if you know you have been exposed to the virus. According to these new guidelines, a person who is asymptomatic will be denied a test even if they are aware they have been exposed to the virus. Can someone explain the rationale for this absurdity?

C.D.C. Now Says People Without Covid-19 Symptoms Do Not Need Testing - The New York Times

Makes no sense to most. Asymptomatic people spread the virus. Has there been political pressure from the White House?

Easy. In many areas they still are having trouble keeping up with the demand for tests (supplies, lab capacity, etc.), so they are trying to discourage people from getting tests. Have you not heard that in some areas tests results are taking 14+ days?

If you KNOW you have been exposed, you should self-quarantine. You may be asymptomatic, but you can’t spread the virus if you quarantine.

I surely hope not!

Yet another misleading title, they suggest to put your healthcare provider in the loop.

You do not necessarily need a test unless you are a vulnerable individual or your health care provider or State or local public health officials recommend you take one.

That article is behind a paywall so I didn't read it. Instead, I went to the CDC website and read their actual guidelines.

People will not "be denied" a test if they are aware they were exposed to the virus. That is categorically false.

The guidelines suggest that certain people might not NEED to be tested. Not that it will be forbidden to them.

I recommend, always, reading the source of articles, when those articles are about facts that come from other sources.

Here are the actual guidelines:

Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) | CDC

This is dated Aug 24 new recommendations are Aug 26. No need for test even if exposed. Sounds fishy.

There is too much testing in the U.S. for COVID 19. If we reduce the number of people being tested, we can reduce the number of positive tests, and thus reduce the incidence of COVID in the population.

Similarly, there is too much screening for colon cancer in the U.S. especially for people over 50. If we reduce the amount of screening, we can reduce the incidence of colon cancer in the population.

You hit it right on the head

I think it's possible that they simply are not finding that asymptomatic people are the ones spreading. Asymptomatic people who have no signs of illness are not the ones coughing, sneezing and making others sick. Basically, if you are sick stay home.

Huh????? Reducing testing reduces Covid? No it doesn’t. Just makes numbers look better.

Granted I just woke up but... can someone explain how reducing testing for Covid and colon cancer will reduce the number of cases and potential deaths?

I think (hope!) the posting was sarcastic. People really should use winky faces when appropriate...

According to a senior official in the CDC, they were pressured by the White House to make the change to reduce the number of tests. You can figure out the reason for the undo influence.

I sure hope you posted this "tongue in cheek."