Covid infections are rising and doctors apprehend the number of daily new infections would go up further. The repeated messaging on what to do and whom to call in need was stopped several months ago as the number of infections dropped.
But many people are again thinking what if someone tests positive for Covid? How many days of quarantine is mandatory? Is it mandatory for someone coming from abroad to self-isolate? What to do if hospital admission is required?
The Telegraph tries to find answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
How many days must someone isolate now after testing positive for Covid-19?
Seven days from the day of testing positive, according to the guidelines on home isolation for mild and asymptomatic patients released by the Union health ministry on January 5.
The guidelines mentioned that a “patient under home isolation will stand discharged and end isolation after at least 7 days have passed from testing positive and no fever for 3 successive days and they shall continue wearing masks”.
Who are asymptomatic patients?
According to the guidelines, anyone who tests positive for Covid-19, has an oxygen saturation of 93 or above and without any symptoms is asymptomatic.
Who are mild patients?
The guidelines said that “clinically assigned mild cases are patients with upper respiratory tract symptoms with or without fever, without shortness of breath and having oxygen saturation at room air of more than 93%”.
Does one need a certificate from a doctor for staying at home?
No one is going to ask for a certificate but the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) may ask over the phone if the person has been advised to stay at home by any doctor. KMC officials suggested that anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 should consult a doctor for their own good.
What should elderly people and those with comorbidities do?
Do not delay in consulting a doctor and do as advised by the doctor.
When to seek urgent medical attention?
Fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit for more than three days, difficulty in breathing and oxygen saturation below 93 for three successive readings within an hour are some of the symptoms, according to the guidelines. Stay in touch with a doctor.
Is it necessary to get a negative test report before ending isolation?
No, according to the guidelines that are available on the Union health ministry’s website.
If someone who tested positive for Covid dies, who will transport the deceased to the crematorium?
The KMC in the Kolkata municipal area and other municipalities or municipal corporations in their respective jurisdictions. It is the hospital’s responsibility to inform the municipal body that will send a hearse van on being informed.
Are kin, family members and friends allowed in the crematorium?
Yes, up to six persons, said an official of the KMC.
Is it necessary for people coming from abroad to have a negative Covid-19 report?
No, according to the guidelines for international arrivals issued on February 10.
According to these guidelines, a negative RT-PCR will be required only if the person has not completed full primary Covid-19 vaccination.
The traveller has to fill up the Air Suvidha form where either the vaccination certificate or the negative RT-PCR report has to be uploaded.
Is it mandatory to self-isolate after arriving from abroad?
No, according to the February 10 guidelines.
The guidelines said that “all travellers will self-monitor their health for next 14 days of arrival. If travellers under self-health monitoring, develop signs and symptoms suggestive of COVID19, they will immediately self-isolate and report to their nearest health facility or call National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number”.
The guidelines said that after arrival, “passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to medical facility as per health protocol. If tested positive, their contacts shall be identified and managed as per laid down protocol”.
What about passengers arriving via land/seaports?
The same protocol that is adopted for air passengers will be followed here as well.