The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new set of guidelines for coronavirus testing on Thursday after a change made earlier this week caused an uproar from health experts.
The Hill reports that CDC Director Robert Redfield issued a statement walking back guideline changes announced Monday.
Redfield said people who come in contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 patient could be tested themselves, even if they do not show symptoms of the virus.
On Monday, the CDC guidelines revised its guidelines to state that testing should be reserved for people with symptoms.
"Testing is meant to drive actions and achieve specific public health objectives," Redfield said Thursday. "Everyone who needs a COVID-19 test, can get a test. Everyone who wants a test does not necessarily need a test; the key is to engage the needed public health community in the decision with the appropriate follow-up action."
Some public health experts slammed the recommendation issued earlier this week that limited testing. They said asymptomatic people have been spreading the virus and were concerned the move was made by political appointees outside of the CDC, according to The Hill.
But according to Redfield, the guidelines issued on Monday had been coordinated with the White House Coronavirus Task Force. The new guidance was released as the number of coronavirus tests across the country has declined.
Redfield's statement on Thursday was not a full reversal. Previously, the CDC recommended anyone who came in contact with a positive virus patient or suspected one be tested. According to Redfield's statement, the updated CDC guidelines state a person "can" be tested if they want to be tested.
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