For more than a year of battling coronavirus disease (COVID 19) in the country, there have been many transitions that have affected many lives and sectors of society. People became used to having the changes, and they are left with no other choice but to adapt and comply.
In light of the increasing cases of COVID 19 with its new rising variant and healthcare utilization rate in the country, the Department of Health rolled out new quarantine protocols, emergency response systems, and surveillance capabilities for individuals who have been infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is to mitigate the spread of the disease and keep hospitals from being congested.
Quarantine and isolation period for positive individuals
For Positive Individuals
Those who have mild and moderate symptoms, regardless of their vaccination status, they are required to have ten days of home quarantine and isolation. They are encouraged to maximize the use of telemedicine services in order to receive assistance with their recovery. Meanwhile, those who do not have the requirements for home isolation, are required to go to facility isolation provided by the government.
On the other hand, positive individuals who have severe or critical conditions must isolate for 21 days or at the doctor's advice.
For close contacts of the positive individuals, seven days is required for the quarantine period for fully individuals and fourteen days for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals.
For fully-vaccinated healthcare workers who are positive but have mild, moderate, and no symptoms, Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Committees and Provincial Health Offices are authorized to allow a shortened period of isolation and quarantine in consideration of their healthcare capacity. They are required to have five days of isolation instead of ten days and no need for quarantine for close contacts.
For fully vaccinated OFWs who are from green list countries, there is no facility-based quarantine required for them as long as the negative RT-PCR test was taken within 72 hours before their departure. But they are too enjoined to self-monitor for symptoms until the 14th day, with the first day being the arrival date.
For the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or vaccination status cannot be independently verified traveling from green list countries, they are required to stay on a facility-based quarantine facility until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day. They are also required to have a self-monitor until the 14th day of arrival, with the date of arrival being the first day. This shall also be observed by unvaccinated or partially unvaccinated minor children. A guardian or parent should accompany the minor child in the quarantine facility.
For fully vaccinated OFWs who came from the yellow list countries, there will be a facility-based quarantine until the release of negative RT-PCR test results taken on the fifth day. They must also complete a 10-day home quarantine.
For the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or vaccination status cannot be independently verified traveling from yellow list countries, they need to stay n a facility-based quarantine until the release of negative RT-PCR test taken on the 7th day, and they must complete a 14-day home quarantine.
For fully vaccinated OFWs who came from the red list countries, They shall undergo 14-day quarantine upon arrival – ten days for facility-based quarantine and four days for home quarantine. The RT-PCR test will be done on the 7th day, with the first day being the date of the arrival. The same applies to unvaccinated, partially unvaccinated, or those with vaccination status that cannot be independently verified.
Requirements for home isolation and home quarantine
In order to undergo home isolation, there are requirements and standards to follow in order for them to be allowed for home isolation and quarantine.
At the minimum, those who will be undergoing home isolation or home quarantine, home or condo design must have a dedicated well-ventilated room and toilet. There should also be a line for communication with family members and health workers. There should also be available utilities such as electricity, potable water, cooking source, etc. This is to ensure that the recovery of the positive individuals and close contacts is fast and convenient for them. This both applies to home and condo living.
It is also required that there should be a separate bedroom for the patient, as long as there are no vulnerable persons in the household. And if the bathroom is shared inside the house, apartment, or condo, only one bathroom should only be designated for the use of the patient.
It is also required to have medical supervision and patient care. Only one caregiver will remain in the residence or condo. They should be fully vaccinated, not at high risk for complications, and should be educated on proper precautions. Medicals and meal preparations should also be given to the patient.
They are also required to have a stock of face masks for each day of isolation. They are required to still maintain social distancing, the wearing of face masks, and daily disinfection.
In cases where there are no caregivers available in the household, telemedicine is the best way to have solutions to problems. The Department of Health has third-party telemedicine service providers such as TelAventusMD, SeeYouDoc, MedCheck, Telimed, KonsultaMD, CloudPx, HealthNow, and CareSpan. Some of these also include providing healthcare kits for the patients.
Change has always been, and will always be, a part of battling COVID-19. It affected many lives and sectors in society. The work-from-home setup became popular, adding workspaces as part of condo living and condo design. Many stores are still closed, and others are thriving. Some are still in search of ready for occupancy condos to avoid having close contact with their loved ones, especially for healthcare workers.
This battle is getting harder. Hospitals are getting overwhelmed, healthcare workers are getting tired, and following these protocols will help this country mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease. Staying at home and mere obedience will create a significant impact to avoid the threats of this disease.
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