Will be able to finish isolation after 17 days, unless fever has been present for 10 days; Must change masks every 8 hours

New Delhi. The Ministry of Health has made changes in the Home Isolation Guidelines for very mild (very mild) symptoms of corona or pre-symptomatic patients. Patients with home isolation will be able to finish the isolation 17 days after the initial symptoms appear. In pre-asymptomatic cases 17 days from the day of sampling will be counted. In both cases, it will be a condition that fever has not occurred since 10 days. Earlier on April 27, the Health Ministry issued a guideline allowing home isolation for very mild or pre-symptomatic patients.

The ministry has now issued new instructions for patients with home isolation and their caregivers. Both would be required to wear a triple layer mask.

10 instructions for patients

1. One must wear a triple mask medical mask at all times. It needs to be changed every 8 hours. If the mask becomes wet or dirty, it will need to be replaced immediately.

2. After use, the mask must be disinfected with 1% sodium hypo-chlorite before discarding it.

3. The patient has to stay in his room. There should be no contact with other members of the household, especially the elderly and those with hypertension or heart disease.

4. The patient should take adequate rest and take as much water or fluid as possible.

5. The instructions that have been given to monitor the respiratory status will have to be obeyed.

6. The hands should be cleaned for at least 40 seconds with a soap-water or alcohol sanitizer.

7. Personal things should not be shared with others.

8. The surfaces in the room that need to be touched frequently (eg tabletop, door latch and handles) should be cleaned with 1% hypochlorite solution.

9. The patient will have to obey the doctor's instructions and medicines.

10. The patient will monitor his condition himself. Will check body temperature every day. If the condition shows signs of worsening, then it has to be told immediately.

12 instructions for patient care

1. When going to the patient's room, one has to wear a triple mask medical mask. The front part should not be touched while using the mask. If the mask becomes wet or dirty, it should be replaced immediately. Discard the mask after use and clean the hands thoroughly.

2. The caregiver should not touch his face, nose or mouth.

3. The hands should be washed thoroughly when coming in contact with the patient or his room.

4. Before and after cooking, before eating, after going to the toilet and whenever hands feel dirty, one should wash them thoroughly. Wash hands with soap-water for 40 seconds. If there is no dust in the hands, alcohol-based sanitizers can also be used.

5. Disposable paper should be wiped with a napkin after washing hands with soap-water. If there is no paper napkin, wipe the hands with clean towels. Replace it when wet.

6. Do not come in direct contact with the fluid released from the patient's body. Wear hand gloves while handling the patient. Clean the hands after wearing gloves and before and after taking off.

7. Avoid sharing cigarettes with the patient, coming in contact with its utensils, water, towels and sheets.

8. Bring food to the patient in his room.

9. Clean the patient's utensils by wearing gloves with soap or detergent. Clean hands after removing gloves.

10. While cleaning the patient's room, wear a triple layer medical mask and disposable gloves while washing clothes or sheets. Wash hands thoroughly before and after removing gloves.

11. Keep in mind that patients keep taking medicines from time to time.

12. The caregiver or those in close contact with the patient should monitor their health themselves. Check body temperature daily. If you see any symptoms related to corona, contact the medical officer immediately.