Infected health staff can self-quarantine: Govt
BENGALURU:
In a move to ease the anxieties of health workers who have been infected while on duty, the government has allowed such cases to self-quarantine at home. The rationale for the order is that health staff are well-versed with isolation protocol and are not likely to violate home quarantine.
A circular issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Jawaid Akhtar on Saturday said: “Of late, a surge in COVID-19 cases has been witnessed in the state, especially in the Bangalore Urban agglomeration. A few doctors, nurses and other paramedic workers have also been infected while treating/ during the surveillance of COVID-I9 patients. Most of the health workers who have found to be positive are asymptomatic and as such, as per the guidelines, have to be isolated in a Covid Care Centre.
“These health workers are well aware of the isolation protocol and are in a position to monitor their health during isolation. In view of the fact that the doctors, nurses and other paramedic workers who have turned positive are well aware of the isolation protocol, it has been decided that they will be permitted to be in home Isolation with the following conditions
1) Only those who are asymptomatic shall be allowed to be in home isolation.
2) They should be adequately trained/briefed about the isolation protocol.
3) They shall be given a pulse oximeter and Personal Protection Equipment to be used during isolation.
4) They should report to their Health Supervisor about their health status every day.
5) On completion of 7 days of home isolation, it they remain asymptomatic, a swab shall be taken and if found negative they will be permitted to come out of isolation.
6) The home isolation shall be with the knowledge of the controlling doctor and shall be reported to the health authorities.
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