Isolation at home option for asymptomatic cases

MANAMA: Active Covid-19 patients who are asymptomatic will have the choice of home isolation starting from tomorrow.

This move follows directives of the government’s Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.

It is also in line with the approval of a recommendation made by the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (Covid-19), headed by Supreme Council for Health chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

Among the criteria are that the patient should be aged 60 or below with no underlying chronic illnesses and those not living with individuals with low immunity.

Patients who meet the criteria and opt to self-isolate at home will receive an electronic bracelet and necessary medical supplies for the isolation period, including masks, sterile gloves, and basic medication.

Dr Shaikh Mohammed pointed out that services provided and guidelines to be followed will be in line with standards approved by the World Health Organisation. Positive cases will be directed to the Shamel Field Hospital (Comprehensive Disability Centre) for triaging and assessment.

“All asymptomatic cases under home self-isolation will be monitored daily by health professionals and the BeAware Bahrain app,” he said, stressing the importance of reporting any symptoms that may develop.

“The home self-isolation period is 14 days and a ‘self-isolation exit test appointment’ will be required in order for patients to be officially discharged.

The home self-quarantine measures will also apply to those living in the same residence.

Guidelines for contacts of active cases are as follows:

An appointment must be scheduled for testing.

Contacts of active cases must ensure they do not interact with others and do not leave their residence.

Should there be an urgent need to leave the residence, masks must be worn when in public settings.

An exit test must be conducted after 14 days.

The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus underscored the importance of following the home self-isolation guidelines, which includes using a separate room and bathroom; not sharing personal tools and utensils, observing personal hygiene, wearing protective masks while leaving the house for an emergency, and disposing of waste in a separate trash bag.

The Taskforce noted that the kingdom’s isolation and treatment capacity has increased to 7,240 beds, with a current occupancy of 5,546 beds. Quarantine centres’ capacity stands at 3,410 beds, with 487 being occupied.

The Taskforce further noted that Covid-19 treatment remains free of charge across all quarantine and isolation treatment centres, with priority given to active Covid-19 cases experiencing symptoms. Options for those wishing to receive treatment at a private facility are also provided, at the patient’s own expense.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/824642/Isolation-at-home-option-for-asymptomatic-cases