CDC’s ‘clarification’ on coronavirus testing offers more confusion

CDC Director Robert Redfield, MD, on late Wednesday offered “clarification” of the agency’s COVID-19 testing recommendations, which only raised more questions among doctors, patients, and public health officials. Redfield sought to dampen criticism surrounding the guidelines released Monday, which stipulate that individuals having close contact with an infected person—defined as exposure within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer—”do not necessarily need a test” if they are not symptomatic. Exceptions include people who are medically vulnerable, but the guidance nonetheless triggered a backlash from critics who say more, not less, testing is needed to combat the virus. Moreover, they complained, it is disingenuous to advise anyone who has been potentially exposed not to get tested simply because they are not exhibiting symptoms, since the virus is largely spread by asymptomatic parties. To clear the confusion, Redfield reworded the recommendations to say that “testing may be considered for all close contacts of confirmed or probable COVID-19 patients.” The change in language was too little, too late for some experts, who say the Trump administration has flubbed a key requirement for fighting an infectious disease outbreak: clear, consistent communications.