Q&A: How long is the isolation period for Covid-19 in UAE?

Here's all you need to know.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has issued an advisory, clarifying questions related to the isolation period required for those infected with Covid-19.
Taking to Twitter, the authority explained what conditions were required for discharge from an isolation facility, how long it can take to recover from a Covid-19 infection, and if formerly infected patients would be fined for resuming daily activities once discharged, among other details.

How long is the isolation period for #COVID19? pic.twitter.com/FFeQ78FNPT
- ???? ????? ???? (@DHA_Dubai) May 31, 2020

Here's all you need to know:

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How long is the isolation period for coronavirus?

A person who is newly infected with coronavirus will remain in an isolation facility for a period not exceeding 14 days - provided the patient does not have any symptoms, or has mild symptoms only.
What are the conditions for discharge from isolation facilities?
.    Completion of 14 days from the date of obtaining the test result
.    Improvement in symptoms
.    The patient is not feverish and has a body temperature that's less than 37.5°C for three consecutive days without taking any medications to reduce fever.

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Should the result be negative for the patient to leave the isolation facility?

An examination is not required for a patient who does not have symptoms and has completed a period of 14 days in isolation, as he is not considered to be a carrier of the infection after this period.

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When is the coronavirus considered to be infectious?

Scientific studies have shown that the emerging coronavirus is most contagious to others in the early days of the infection and the risk rapidly declines by the end of the first seven to 10 days of the disease.
Studies have also shown that the virus was not found to be active or infectious after the second week of infection, despite positive PCR tests (that indicates detection of RNA).

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How do I ensure that my condition will not get worse after getting discharged from the isolation facility?

Non-hospital isolation facilities are only for minor cases and the person is allowed to leave the isolation facility only once he/she has shown improvement in symptoms (if they existed) and if he is fever-free for three consecutive days without fever-reducing medications prior to discharge.
In the event of any symptoms after discharge, you can always consult a doctor or go to any of the health care centres to perform the necessary checks.

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Can I return to my normal routine after leaving the isolation facility with a positive examination result, or will it be considered that I intentionally contacted the community and, therefore, be liable to be fined?

Discharged cases (asymptomatic/mild symptoms) are fit to resume normal daily activities, but they must ensure they follow the precautionary measures that are applicable to all, such as wearing masks and maintaining a physical distance of 1.5 to 2 metres. The concerned authorities in Dubai are aware of the circulars and instructions issued by the Dubai Health Authority.

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How long can it take to recover?

Covid-19 virus is a new virus and its nature may change. Scientific evidence found that the recovery period depends on the person's immunity. For mild and asymptomatic cases, a 14-day isolation period is the maximum period.
For cases with symptoms, recovery period depends on the symptoms as well as complications of the disease during treatment.

• Dubai

Karen Ann Monsy

• karen@khaleejtimes.com