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The CDC has shortened COVID-19 isolation and quarantine time for all Americans, following changes for healthcare workers made late last week.

The Monday that individuals with COVID-19 can isolate for just 5 days if they're asymptomatic -- down from a previous recommendation of 10 days -- followed by 5 days of masking when around other people.

CDC said in a media statement that the change was prompted by science suggesting that the majority of transmission "occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after."

The agency also cut its quarantine time following exposures, but stratified it by vaccination status. Those who are boosted don't have to quarantine at all if they've been exposed, but should wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after the exposure.

Those who are unvaccinated or more than 6 months out from their second mRNA dose -- or more than 2 months out from their Johnson & Johnson vaccine -- but who don't have a booster should quarantine for 5 days, followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.

If someone is exposed and cannot quarantine for 5 days, it's "imperative" that they wear a well-fitting mask when around others for 10 days after their exposure, the agency stated.

CDC also said testing 5 days after exposure would be a "best practice" for all those exposed.

"If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19," the agency stated.

The updated guidance for the general population follows the in isolation and quarantine time for healthcare workers. Healthcare workers with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic can return to work after 7 days with a negative test, and that isolation can be cut further if there are staffing shortages, the agency said.

The healthcare worker guidance also recommended that those who received a booster shot do not need to quarantine at home after high-risk exposures.

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