The Punjab Government issued new guidelines on Monday regarding medical fitness for home isolation of asymptomatic/mild symptomatic patients and patients aged more than 60 or with co-morbidities and pregnant women.
All such patients will be offered the opportunity to give undertaking at the time of sampling regarding availability of home isolation facility at their residence, in case they turn out to be positive for Covid-19.
These guidelines also implement on asymptomatic/mild symptomatic COVID-19 positive patients for home isolation.
Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said that instructions have been issued to all the deputy commissioners and civil surgeons in this regard. He said, “Doctor available at the time of sampling would assess all such persons for clinical fitness for home isolation. In case such patients test positive for Covid-19, they will continue for home isolation as per protocol.”
He clarified that there is no need to bring them to the hospital provided they remain to be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic.
He added that it is compulsory for patients under home isolatin to procure a kit which should contain a thermometer, pulse oximeter, tab Vitamin C and tab Zinc and regularly monitor themselves for any symptoms. They should immediately report to the health department if the symptoms appear or worsen.
The follow-up of home isolated patients will be done by the district administration’s Covid patient tracking teams. These teams will also ensure follow up of these patients on phone and with at least 3 visits during the duration of home isolation.
“If the contrary is found during a follow-up visits regarding undertaking given by patient about the availability of facilities for home isolation as per the protocol, such patients will be shifted to an isolation facility”, he said.
The minister said that the private institutions are also directed to follow the same protocols.
Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic COVID-19 pregnant women, with non-high-risk pregnancy and likely not to deliver in the next three weeks, may be allowed home isolation if certified by a gynaecologist that the woman was fit for home isolation. The private institutions are also directed to follow the same protocols.
If any home isolated patients require any medical assistance or advice, they must call at 104 or the district helpline number.
