QBank Fortnightly Newsletter (Vol: 1, Issue: 7)

5. Revised guidelines for home isolation of COVID-19 cases and guidelines for home quarantine of contacts

MCQ IDs: MC4159, MD5109

Home isolation is recommended for very mild cases/ pre-symptomatic cases of COVID-19 for 17 days starting from the onset of symptoms. The patient should not have a fever for the last ten days of home isolation. There is no need for testing after the home isolation period is over.

 Eligibility for home isolation:

•  A person should be clinically assigned as a very mild case/ pre-symptomatic case.
• Such a person should have the requisite facility at their residence for self-isolation.
• A caregiver should be available round the clock.
• The caregiver and all close contacts of such cases should take Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis.
• Arogya Setu App must be used.
• The patient shall agree to monitor his health and regularly inform his health status to the District Surveillance Officer.

 The person should seek immediate medical attention if serious signs or symptoms develop such as: 

•  Difficulty in breathing.
• Persistent pain/pressure in the chest.
• Mental confusion or inability to arouse.
• Developing bluish discolourations of lips/face.

Home quarantine applies to all contacts of a suspect or confirmed case of COVID-19. The home quarantine period is for 14 days from the day of contact with a confirmed or suspected case. If symptoms appear (cough/fever/difficulty in breathing), he/she should immediately inform the nearest health centre.

 A contact in the context of COVID-19 is:

•  A person living in the same household as a COVID-19 case.
• A person having had direct physical contact with a COVID-19 case or his/her infectious secretions without recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) or with a possible breach of PPE.
• A person who has a face to face contact with a COVID-19 case or in a closed environment within 1 meter (including air travel)