Dr. Tufton Says Re-testing Not Required After Covid-19 Isolation

There are cost-related concerns over employees being required to re-test for Covid-19 after recovery. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has suggested that employers who demand a negative Covid-19 result for workers to reengage, should probably cover that cost. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton is reiterating that Covid-19 positive citizens aren’t required to re-test after completing isolation.

This comes against the backdrop of employers requesting follow-up testing, which proves particularly costly for persons who aren’t afforded sick leave. Dr. Tufton says employers who insist, should perhaps cover the cost. The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), also doesn’t state re-testing as a requirement, but notes that “if an individual has access to a test and wants to test, the best approach is to use an antigen test towards the end of the 5-day isolation period.”

If the result is positive, isolation should continue until day 10. The CDC says persons who are very sick or have a weakened immune system may require additional viral testing. Meanwhile, in its updated isolation guidance, the CDC says asymptomatic and symptomatic persons free of fever and other symptoms can end isolation after 5 full days, regardless of vaccination status. 

Persons are however encouraged to wear a mask for the additional 5 days.