COVID-19: When to Discontinue Isolation?
These are incredibly challenging and unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has and will overburden the healthcare systems around the world. Because of this, we have adopted the “Cover-in-Place” policy put into effect by our Mayors or Governors. For those that are not in the high risk categories*, we are in home isolation, faced with self-diagnoses, treatment and figuring out when we are healthy again.
According to the US CDC, there are 3 distinct categories that we must look at to determine which protocol you should follow to discontinue self-isolation:
1. Non-Tested – Symptomatic
2. Tested Positive AND Symptomatic
3. Tested Positive AND Non-Symptomatic
Most will fall in the first category, Non-Tested but symptomatic, because we are not in the high-risk category and we might be experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, therefore we’ve been directed to care for ourselves at home in self isolation. According to the US CDC**, those in this category, may discontinue home isolation under the following conditions:
At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications AND
Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); AND
At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
For individuals that are symptomatic and have the availability to be tested, you will fall into the second category, Tested Positive AND Symptomatic. According to the US CDC**, those in this category, may discontinue home isolation under the following conditions:
Resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications AND
Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) AND
Negative results from at least two consecutive nasal swabs specimens collected ≥24 hours apart.
The last category, Tested AND NON-Symptomatic, are individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19 but have never shown symptoms (asymptomatic). According to the US CDC**, those in this category, may discontinue home isolation under the following conditions:
A minimum of 7 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test and have had no subsequent illness.
We are all wondering when things will get back to normal, but before we can get there it is extremely important that we are ALL following the guidelines from reputable organizations, such as the US CDC, WHO and Europe CDC to prevent infection. They are at the center of this pandemic and pouring out information daily. Stay home! Practice social distancing if you must go out. Use proper hygiene techniques, washing your hands and frequently sanitizing high traffic locations in your home.
* CDC - People who are at higher risk for severe illness –
People aged 65 years and older
People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
Other high-risk conditions could include:
People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
People who have serious heart conditions
People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk
People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk