On December 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance on quarantining: In certain circumstances, individuals potentially exposed to COVID-19 by being in "close contact" with a person who tested positive can take steps to reduce the length of the standard 14-day quarantine period. The new recommendations, however, come with significant caveats and stringent prerequisites. Despite the simplified messaging contained in the media announcement, the CDC still maintains the safest course of action is for a close contact to quarantine for 14 days. Also note the new advice has no impact on the agency's previously issued isolation guidance for people who test positive.