COVID exit strategy changed; new guidelines for patients & contacts

The Health Ministry has updated the guidelines on laboratory testing strategy for COVID-19, integrated home-based isolation and management of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients and discharge criteria from treatment facilities.

Accordingly, if the COVID patient admitted to a treatment facility has improved from mild/moderate symptoms and fever- free for 48 hours without antipyretics, they can be released from isolation after 7 days from the date of Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or PCR positivity or from the date of onset of symptoms.

However, those who have not improved mild/moderate symptoms and have fever for more than 48 hours are advised to contact the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) of their respective area for medical advice on further management.

In addition, patients under home-based management system can be released from home isolation after 7 days from the date of RAT/PCR positivity (or from the date of onset of symptoms), if they have improved from mild/moderate symptoms and fever-free for 48 hours without antipyretics. Exit PCR test or RAT is not required for them to be discharged from medical care.

Meanwhile, close contacts of COVID patients who are fully vaccinated against the virus will not be quarantined if they do not show symptoms.

All partially vaccinated or unvaccinated close contacts can be released from home quarantine after completion of 7 days from the date of RAT or PCR positivity or from the date of onset of symptoms. (Sheain Fernandopulle)