Revised guidelines for home isolation | Fusion - WeRIndia

The number of COVID-19 cases has been rising in the country. But, the shortage of beds and oxygen supplies in hospitals force many people to stay in home isolation. 

In this context, the Union Health Ministry issued revised guidelines for home isolation. Home isolation is recommended for asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. Also, those who are tested COVID positive and have mild symptoms can stay in home isolation. 

Here is a list of revised rules issued by the government:

• The treating medical officer should recommend the patients for home isolation. 
• Patients shall have the facility for self-isolation at their home. 
• Elderly patients aged above 60 years and patients with comorbidities shall be allowed for home isolation only after proper evaluation by the treating medical officer.
• Patients at home isolation shall seek medical advice if they have persistent pain in the chest or difficulty in breathing or drop in oxygen saturation levels. They shall monitor oxygen levels from time to time. 
• Patients should have a caregiver facility round the clock. Caregivers shall communicate with hospitals for the entire duration of home isolation. 
• The caregiver and close contacts of the patient shall take Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis as per the prescription given by the treating medical officer. 
• Patients shall be kept in a well-ventilated room with cross ventilation. To allow fresh air into the room, windows should be kept open. 
• Patients shall use a triple-layer medical face mask at all times. Used masks can be discarded after 8 hours. If the face mask becomes wet, it can be discarded immediately. Both the caregiver and patient shall wear an N 95 mask while the caregiver attending to the patient. 
• All surfaces touched by patients like doorknobs and handles shall be cleaned with 1% hypochlorite solution.
• Patients shall be discharged from home isolation after 10 days after the beginning of symptoms.
• For a complete list of revised guidelines, visit the government’s website.

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