Delta Air Lines is asking the CDC to consider shortening the isolation period for breakthrough COVID-19 cases due to its impact on workforce, operations

• Delta Air Lines is asking the CDC to cut the isolation period for breakthrough COVID-19 infections.
• The airlines is proposing the isolation period to be halved to five days from the current 10 days.

Delta Air Lines' CEO has asked the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to consider cutting its recommended isolation period for vaccinated people who get breakthrough COVID-19 infections from 10 days to five days.

"Our employees represent an essential workforce to enable Americans who need to travel domestically and internationally," CEO Ed Bastian wrote to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. Delta's chief health officer, Carlos del Rio, and medical adviser, Henry Ting, also signed the letter.

"With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the 10-day isolation for those who are fully vaccinated may significantly impact our workforce and operations," they added.

Delta said it's making the request as current data suggest the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is linked to milder disease — even if it is more contagious.

The current guidance was developed in 2020 when there were no effective vaccines and treatments, they added.

They also said that over 90% of Delta's workforce is fully vaccinated and that this number is increasing. Airline staff must also be masked up at airports and on planes.

Delta's request comes as White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday that the US is considering shortening the CDC-recommended 10-day isolation period for vaccinated people who test positive.

The CDC did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.