Backtracking on earlier guidance that had provoked widespread criticism, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that everyone whos had close contact with a person infected with COVID-19 should get tested for the virus, including those who arent exhibiting any symptoms.

The CDC updated its testing guidelines on Friday a day after the publication of a scorching report by The New York Times that said the agencys earlier guidance had not been written by CDC scientists and had been posted on the agencys website despite their serious objections.

The earlier guidance had said people whove had close contact with a COVID-19 do not necessarily need a test if they are asymptomatic.

Public health experts had excoriated the recommendation.

Suggesting that asymptomatic people dont need testing is just a prescription for community spread and further disease and death, Dr. Susan Bailey, president of the American Medical Association, told the Times.

In contrast to its earlier guidance, the CDCs latest recommendation is unequivocal in its stance.

Even with no symptoms, you need a test, the agencys website now reads, if you have been in close contact, such as within 6 feet of a person with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 15 minutes.