When researchers isolated NBA players who had recovered from COVID-19 but still tested positive for the virus, they found those same players didn't infect others after leaving isolation. The study showed that among participants, 1% had persistent virus, most were males younger than 30 and antibodies were found in 92% of these persistent cases. All of the players were asymptomatic and showed no transmission of the virus to others.
Being infected by a person who has recovered from coronavirus, but still tests positive, is a common fear among others — a fear that this study negates.
Even though sensitive tests such as RT-PCR may continue to yield a positive result for the post-COVID players, the participants in the study were not infectious. While PCR testing is the most accurate, rapid antigen tests might be the best alternative for gauging how infectious a recovered person might be, according to one lead researcher.
SOURCE: Drugs.com April 23, 2021