The recently adopted federal guidance that shortens isolation recommendations for COVID-19 does not apply to Illinois health facilities, the Department of Public Health reiterated Monday. [Health News Illinois]

A spokesman for the agency referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notice released on Friday, which said the guidance is intended for a general audience. Nothing in the language supersedes accommodations required under federal civil rights laws.

The federal agency said Friday it now suggests those with a respiratory illness can return to normal activities when their symptoms improve over 24 hours and they no longer have a fever without using fever-reducing medication. They’re encouraged to continue taking steps to curb disease spread during the following five days, like wearing a mask.

Previously, the CDC recommended those testing positive for COVID-19 stay at home for five days. The new guidance brings a unified approach to a range of common respiratory viruses, like COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, according to the federal agency.

IDPH said Friday it will adopt the guidance going forward.

The CDC offers separate guidances for healthcare settings related to COVID-19, flu and general infection prevention and control.

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