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Hi! Are you finding that it's taking longer for people to test negative on home tests with the omicron variants? My husband finally tested negative on day 11, and I'm still testing (faint) positive on day 11. I know the CDC says that we can mask and go about daily business (with exceptions) after 5 days with improving symptoms, but I'm reading that a strong positive on an antigen test might mean you are still contagious.) there's so much conflicting information!
Yes, it is common for people to have more prolonged duration of shedding the Omicron virus. The CDC allows for you to leave the home, so that people can get back to work and other essential activities—most people do not have the luxury of being able to remain at home for long periods of time. Many people also do not have access to home test kits. The CDC does not currently have the legal power to force people to stay at home. The language that allows for people to leave the home is to be balanced against the reality that many people are struggling with child-care, job security, food insecurity, etc. Therefore, although you may leave the home, you MUST mask (using a well-fitted mask like a KN95 mask) when outside the home.
