CDC: People with Covid-19 can still vote in person

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The CDC says voters who are sick with the coronavirus or in quarantine can still cast their ballots in person as long as they take safety steps to protect poll workers and other voters.
• Such steps include: mask use, staying at least 6 feet away from others and hand washing before and after voting.
• Sick voters should also inform poll workers about their condition ahead of time and should spend less time at the polls.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says in-person voting is still allowed regardless of whether voters are sick with Covid-19 or quarantining after exposure to the virus, provided they follow the agency’s guidance for voting.

“CDC’s recommendations for isolating someone who has Covid-19 or quarantining someone who was in close contact with a person with Covid-19 would not preclude them from exercising their right to vote,” a CDC spokesperson on Monday told CNN.

In-person voting can be carried out safely if sick voters strictly adhere to the CDC’s safety protocols such as: wearing a mask, standing at least six feet apart from others and washing their hands with their own hand sanitizers before and after voting.

Additionally, sick voters should alert poll workers of their condition upon arriving at the polling station. They should also aim to spend less time as possible at the polls.

The CDC also advised that sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, face shields, gloves and gowns should be provided to poll workers assisting the voters with symptoms as well as training on the proper use of the PPEs.

Further, CDC also proposed that a designated polling site, extended hours or curbside voting be included as alternative voting options for sick voters.   

The CDC recommendations come as health experts have continuously urged infected people or those exposed to stay away from crowds and quarantine for 14 days to weaken virus spread.

Long queues and crowds nationwide are expected on Election Day where millions of Americans will cast their votes amid a worsening pandemic.

As of Monday, coronavirus cases continued to rise in 42 states with the US averaging over 80,000 new cases each day and over 800,000 deaths.

Source: The Hill