65% patients in home isolation at Patiala

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Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 4

Amid the growing fear of hospitalisation of coronavirus patients in the district, the Health Department today revealed that 65 per cent persons, who had contracted virus, were home-isolated.

As many as 4,343 out of 6,876 patients in the Patiala district have been home isolated so far. Of the 4,343 patients, 3,468 have already recovered from the disease. Currently, there are 875 active cases of home-isolation.

It has been witnessed that people are afraid of Covid testing because if they are found positive for the disease they will be forcibly admitted to government hospital.

Giving details about home-isolated patients in the district, the Patiala Civil Surgeon, Dr Harish Malhotra, said, “The Punjab Government has extended the home-isolation facility to cases with mild/pre-symptoms and asymptomatic patients.”

“In fact, elderly persons above 60 years of age, who have co-morbidity such as if suffering from hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lungs, liver and kidney disorders and cerebro-vascular disease etc, they can also be isolated at home, but only on the advice of Medical Officers,” Dr Malhotra added.

“The isolation agreement (self-declaration letter) has to be given by patient stating that he has a separate room and toilet facility in the house. The patient must download the COVA application on his/her mobile and keep it active via bluetooth and Wi-Fi,” Dr Malhotra said.

“Only serious patients, who require tertiary care, are now admitted to hospital. Therefore, people should not be afraid of testing. Majority of positive cases are home isolated,” Dr Malhotra added.

“If patient is isolated at home and has difficulty in breathing, his/her oxygen saturation (SpO2 < 95%) dips, has consistent pain/pressure in chest, mental unrest, slurred speech, seizures, weakness or numbness in any limb or face or bluish discoloration of lips/face, then he/she must be provided immediate medical help,” Dr Malhotra said.