The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has given an option of home isolation. But this is only to patients with mild or presymptomatic Covid-19. Provided the individual’s residence has the facility so as to avoid contact with other family members.
According to the present guidelines set by the health ministry during the containment phase. “The patient should be classified as very mild, mild, moderate, or severe, and suitably admitted to a Covid Care Centre or dedicated hospital. However, very mild/ presymptomatic patients having the requisite facility at his/her residence for self-isolation will have the option for home isolation.”
Here is all you need to know about the guidelines set by the Health Ministry for home isolation:
Who can opt for home isolation?
Individuals who have clinically been identified as a very mild or pre-symptomatic case by the treating medical officer would be allowed to do so. But prior to that, they would be required to fill an undertaking on isolation agreement.
Rules to be followed:
• They should have the required amenities for self-isolation at home and also for quarantining the family contacts
• A caregiver should be designated on a 24 x7 basis, who will have to ensure constant communication with the hospital throughout the home isolation period.
• The caregiver along with the close contacts of such cases should take Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis according to the protocol laid down.
• The Arogya Setu App should also be active at all times
• The person will have to keep a close tab on his/her health and regularly intimate the District Surveillance Officer about his condition for the required follow-ups by the surveillance teams.
Those isolating at home must seek immediate medical intervention if they experience any serious symptoms like difficulty in breathing, constant pain/ pressure in the chest area, mental confusion, developing bluish discoloration on lips or face.
Guidelines for caregivers and close contacts:
1. Caregivers are advised to wear a mask, they should practice hand hygiene thoroughly prior to, and after, removing gloves.
2. They could also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. They must “avoid direct contact with body fluids of the patient, particularly oral or respiratory secretions.
4. They must employ disposable gloves when handling the patient.
5. The caregiver and close contact must also monitor their health and conduct regular temperature checks. If they develop any Covid-19 symptoms, they must immediately report the same to the officials.
6. They must also ensure that they take adequate rest, keep themselves hydrated, and not come in contact with the elderly persons.
As per the global evidence, 80 percent of COVID cases are mild cases while the remaining 20 percent may develop complications that would require hospitalization. Out of the hospitalized cases of COVID-19, only 5 percent may require ICU care.
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