Fans of CNN’s Chris Cuomo, anchor of the network’s Cuomo Prime Time program, were rapt to the journalist’s videos from isolation during his struggle against COVID-19. Cuomo broadcast daily updates from his basement as he fought fevers, chills, respiratory issues and other symptoms of SARS-CoV-2. Recently, Cuomo announced he’d been monitoring for when he could erupt from isolation. Keeping him in the coronavirus recovery process was one symptom he couldn’t kick – a fever.
In the broadcast, Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent and a leading neurosurgeon explained to viewers, “There are three things doctors look for to see if you can stop isolation – no fever for 72 hours without Tylenol, your respiratory symptoms having improved or completely gone away, and then that has to have taken place at least seven days since your symptoms began you have to be symptom-free.”
Cuomo had clocked 60 fever-free hours before his body temperature rebounded. This meant he had to begin the checklist for recovery all over again.
The CDC’s Coronavirus Recovery Checklist
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lays out what COVID-19 patients need to be aware of before they can leave isolation and be considered completely recovered.
Following is information from the CDC’s website to use as a guide regarding coronavirus recovery:
“When it’s safe to be around others: ending home isolation:
People with COVID-19 or its symptoms who:
- are recovering at home (or other non-hospital settings), and
- will not be tested to determine if they are no longer contagious
can leave their “sick room” and home when:
- They have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever) without the use of medicine that reduces fevers
AND - Other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND - At least 7 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared
People with COVID-19 or its symptoms who:
- are recovering at home (or other non-hospital settings), and
- will be tested to determine if they are no longer contagious
can leave their “sick room” and home when:
- They no longer have a fever (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
AND - Other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND - They received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart
People who DID NOT have COVID-19 symptoms, but tested positive who:
- are self-isolating at home (or other non-hospital settings) can leave their “sick room” and home when:
- At least 7 days have passed since the date of the first positive test
AND - They continue to have no symptoms (no cough or shortness of breath) since the test
For 3 more days, this group of people should continue to limit contact (stay 6 feet or more away from others) and wear a face covering for their nose and mouth when other people are present (including at home).
For ALL people
- When leaving the home, keep a distance of 6 feet from others and wear a cloth face covering when around other people.
Follow guidance provided by the healthcare provider and local health department. The decision to stop home isolation will be made in consultation with their healthcare provider and state and local health departments. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.”
As for Cuomo, he has since left his basement haven. For viewers who’d learned Cuomo’s wife had fallen ill with COVID-19 he addressed the question of why they still needed to be separated. His response – we still don’t know about antibodies and immunity. Until then, Cuomo and his family are playing it healthy and safe.