That may increase isolation time and can cause unnecessary stress and panic.”
But the dead virus, or the particles of the dead virus, can be picked up by the RT-PCR test and a positive report still may come, when a person has become free from COVID. “At that time, it can’t be transmitted to another person. The doctor goes on to explain that in most of the mild and asymptomatic cases, “the virus dies after the seventh or the eighth day”. Patients can be discharged after complete clinical recovery and after they have tested negative once by RT-PCR (after resolution of symptoms). * No need for testing prior to discharge.ĪLSO READ | International Nurses Day: For nurses in the frontline, every day is a ‘constant marathon’ * The patient can be discharged if asymptomatic for three days and if after 10 days of symptom onset. * The patient will be advised to isolate at home and self-monitor health for seven more days * The patient can be discharged after 10 days of symptom onset and no fever for three consecutive days. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, therefore, has come up with a new criteria,” Dr Patil says.įor mild/very mild/pre-symptomatic cases:
“Although the virus has mutated, its infectiousness has now been well established. That was true until last year, when the virus was new and our epidemiologists were still understanding its effect on humans.
“Most people argue ever since the pandemic started, patients with COVID-19 were not discharged until their chest radiograph had cleared, and they had two consecutive negative test results on RT-PCR. ALSO READ | Fact check: Hot-water bath or drinking warm water does not cure COVID-19