Home isolation norms for asymptomatic, mild-symptomatic patients simplified

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 26

Making it easier for asymptomatic and mild-symptomatic Covid-19 to recover at home, instead of hospital, the district administration has now allowed suspected patients to give an undertaking regarding the availability of home isolation facilities at their houses while giving samples.

Earlier, those opting for home isolation had to obtain permission from the authorities after testing positive. The new instructions would put at ease those asymptomatic patients who often complain that they are fit and being unnecessarily harassed. Further the move would also lessen the burden on health facilities as the district already has over 600 active cases. Even as a large number of patients are recovering each day, the daily additions have resulted in increase in the number of active positive cases.

Civil Surgeon Dr Navdeep Singh said the Director (Health) has issued new instructions in this regard, according to which new asymptomatic or mild-symptomatic would be required to follow a set of instructions while in home quarantine. “They are required to have a health checkup kit, which includes a thermometer, a pulse oximeter, Vitamin-C and zinc tablets,” Dr Singh said.

The patient would also be required to contact the Health Department in case of any health issues. The Civil Surgeon said the health of home quarantined patients would be monitored regularly.

Those senior citizen’s who are asymptomatic Covid patients and submit a medical fitness certificate could also be allowed home quarantine, too. Similarly, pregnant women who are not at high risk (from Covid) and are expected to deliver within three weeks could be isolated at home after obtaining the opinion of a gynecologist, the officials said.