Latest CDC Coronavirus Testing Guidance in Conflict With RI - Fine Says Decision Is "Dangerous"

Latest CDC Coronavirus Testing Guidance in Conflict With RI - Fine Says Decision Is "Dangerous"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have made a major policy change regarding recommendations as to who should be tested for coronavirus.

The new guidance flies in the face of Rhode Island’s and many other states' programs -- and creating chaos for the public.

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Specifically, the CDC is now directing that only the following individuals should get tested:

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19
• People who have had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with someone with confirmed COVID-19
• People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, or state health department

The Rhode Island Department of Health told GoLocal that this will not change the state’s policies on testing.

“While we always pay close attention to the recommendations coming out of the CDC, we are taking a more aggressive approach to testing in Rhode Island. Case finding is central to our response in Rhode Island. That means testing aggressively so we can find as many cases as possible, and then getting people into isolation and quarantine right away to prevent the spread of disease,” said Joseph Wendelken, Public Information Officer of the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Questions About Confusion

Former Rhode Island Director of Health Dr. Michael Fine said on Wednesday this CDC change is disturbing and will create more confusion. 

"It really worries me. For me, there is no good scientific reason for making that change, unless you want to see the coronavirus spread," said Fine in an interview on GoLocal LIVE.

"It says CDC is giving up of prevention...It feels like it is addressing a political agenda," adds Fine.