COVID-19 | Centre issues revised guidelines for home isolation in mild, asymptomatic cases

The Union health ministry on January 5 released a set of guidelines for home isolation in mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 cases.

According to the new guidelines, the isolation period has been reduced to three days. It would end after at least seven days have passed from testing positive and no fever for three successive days. Earlier, discharge was scheduled after 10 days from the onset of symptoms.

"There is no need for re-testing after the home isolation period is over," the guidelines stated.

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The asymptomatic cases are laboratory confirmed cases who are not experiencing any symptoms and have oxygen saturation at room air of more than 93 percent.

The patient should be clinically assigned as mild/ asymptomatic case by the treating medical officer. A designated control room contact number at the district /sub-district level shall be provided to the family to get suitable guidance for undertaking testing, clinical management-related guidance, and assignment of a hospital bed, if warranted.

Such cases should have the requisite facility at their residence for self-isolation and for quarantining the family contacts. A caregiver (ideally someone who has completed his COVID-19 vaccination schedule) should be available to provide care on a 24x7 basis. A communication link between the caregiver and a medical officer is a prerequisite for the entire duration of home isolation.

Elderly patients aged more than 60 years and those with co-morbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung/liver/ kidney disease and cerebrovascular disease shall only be allowed home isolation after proper evaluation by the treating medical officer.

The patient must isolate himself from other household members, stay in the identified room and away from other people at home, especially elderly and those with co-morbid conditions like hypertension, cardiovascular disease and renal disease.

The patient should stay in a well-ventilated room with cross-ventilation and windows should be kept open to allow fresh air to come in.

When to seek medical attention?

The Health Ministry has said that a patient should seek immediate medical attention if serious signs or symptoms develop. These include:

-Unresolved High-grade fever (more than 100° F for more than 3 days).

-Difficulty in breathing.

-Dip in oxygen saturation (SpO2 ≤ 93% on room air at least 3 readings within 1 hour) or respiratory rate >24/ min.

-Persistent pain/pressure in the chest.

-Mental confusion or inability to arouse.

-Severe fatigue and myalgia.