 Well, so far it’s looking like 2022 is just 2020 wearing a mustache and sunglasses. COVID cases are high and many are struggling with following a protocol when they get sick. A huge part of that recently is thanks to bewildering new isolation rules.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control changed their guidelines to reduce COVID quarantine from 10 days to five days. But there are a lot of caveats — and valid problems — that come with the new protocol. If you’re struggling to make sense of it, reporter Julia Ries created a clear and simple breakdown of the rules and what you should do. It accounts for all types of scenarios, like what happens if you feel better or test negative before your quarantine is up, what you should do if your quarantine ends but someone in your house gets sick in the interim, and more. Speaking of getting sick, we also asked experts about the likelihood of COVID reinfection after having omicron, as well as some (calming) info about “flurona.” Keep on scrolling, and keep those high-grade masks handy.
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You Oughta Know  If it wasn’t clear before, it’s clear now: Omicron has changed the pandemic. What does the variant’s high transmissibility mean when it comes to reinfection? If you had COVID before, are you still susceptible to omicron? Are you protected more after you’ve recovered from that variant? Senior reporter Catherine Pearson spoke with experts about what’s known about the odds of getting COVID again.
A Minute And Change Got a spare minute? Use it to change your life. Our “A Minute And Change” series will help you become happier, healthier and more productive by doing one thing a little differently. This week’s tip comes from Lynelle Schneeberg, a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, on how to naturally adjust your wake and sleep times:
If you wish to start your day earlier, start waking up 15 minutes earlier than you usually do until you’ve reached your goal time. For example, if you’ve been waking up around 9 a.m. and want to start waking up at 8 a.m., set your alarm to 8:45 a.m. for a few days. Once you’re adjusted to waking up at 8:45 a.m., set it to 8:30 a.m., then after a few days of that, set it to 8:15 a.m. Once you’ve adjusted to the earlier wake-up time, an earlier bedtime will naturally follow.
Crushing On This 'Gram 
Before You Go... Read this piece if you’re panicking about “flurona,” AKA a co-infection of the flu and COVID-19. It’s definitely something to be aware of, but there are a few important factors to consider before we spiral about its existence.
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