The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently announced the fifth set of unlock guidelines. Several relaxations have been given for the opening up of more activities in places that are outside the containment zones. Cinemas/theatres/multiplexes have been allowed to open with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity. With the easing of lockdown restrictions and allowing most of the activities, people are likely to forget that the coronavirus has not gone away and that all of us need to be just as cautious as before.
According to researchers, COVID-19 is highly communicable in the early stages. There are reports that coronavirus load in the respiratory secretion, nasal, and pharyngeal are highest immediately after symptoms in COVID-19 cases. This is why the government continues to recommend social distancing norms for the common public, self-quarantine for those who have had come in close contact with COVID-19 patients or who are feeling potential symptoms, and isolation for those who have been tested positive with the virus.
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But most of the time people get confused about various such terms, especially home quarantine and isolation which are often used interchangeably by many. So, here we are going to tell you about these terms that all are recommended to make it as safe as possible.
Social Distancing During COVID-19
Confused about the difference between #HomeIsolation and #HomeQuarantine ?#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/0Z5nPtLoLh
— NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) August 11, 2020
Most of have been practicing social distancing or physical distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. In this, you need to stay at least 2 meters or 6 feet away from the other person once outside of your home.
Home Quarantine
Health experts or doctors may ask you to go into home quarantine if you have been exposed to COVID-19 positive persons who were themselves asymptomatic till then. Separating such people from other can curb the spread of the coronavirus.
According to Dr Richa Sareen – Consultant, Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj – such people need to confine themselves to their homes for a period of 14 days and observe for the appearance of any COVID symptoms.
“If the symptoms appeared, they had to contact the health authority for getting tested for COVID-19,” she added.
Things To Do During Home Quarantine
- Stay indoors and don’t go outside. Ask your family members to help you in providing groceries and other essentials.
- Stay in a separate room and limit your contact with other family members as much as possible.
- If you need to interact with others, do wear a face mask. A face mask may prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
- Cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands at regular intervals.
- Keep personal items separate and use a separate bathroom if possible.
Home Isolation
Home Isolation is a term used for COVID-19 positive patients who are mild symptomatic/ pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic who are less than 60 years of age and who do not suffer from any comorbidities, said Dr Sareen.
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“They have to stay alone in a well-ventilated room of the house with a separate washroom for them. They have to remain physically isolated from other family members for a period of 17 days and have to self-monitor their pulse, saturation, and temp periodically. They have to take a well-balanced diet, plenty of warm fluids and medicines as prescribed and have to report to the health authorities if symptoms worsen or warning signs appear,” she explained.
Things To Do During Home Isolation
- Monitor your symptoms carefully and contact your health care provider if they get worse.
- Keep yourself hydrated and take proper rest.
- Immediately seek doctor’s help if you have persistent pain, trouble breathing, or pressure in the chest.
