Discontinuing contact precautions for COVID-19: the science says its time
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended contact precautions for healthcare personnel caring for COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the pandemic. However, current scientific evidence points to transmission through small respiratory droplets or aerosols and not contaminated fomites as the dominant routes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We believe science shows there is no benefit and thus only negative consequences to patients, the environment, and the U.S healthcare system associated with ongoing contact precautions for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and we advocate for updated guidelines reflecting current science.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Infection Control and Ventilation
Infection Control in Healthcare
COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Volume
- 47
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 651–653
- Publication date
- 5 June 2026
- Language
- EN