COVID-19: Caring for a sick person at home? Follow these precautions

Do you have the new coronavirus but are showing no symptoms? Revised guidelines by health authorities allow asymptomatic COVID-19 patients to self-isolate at home or at a quarantine hotel.

Read about the announcement here: gulfnews.com/1.71357350

The decision was taken in coordination with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NECDMA)

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Who can self-isolate? People who are asymptomatic can self-isolate at home or at a hotel specifically for quarantine.

Also, those with mild symptoms but no comorbidities can self-isolate at home or at a hotel.

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If a person is mildly symptomatic but falls under the vulnerable category, they are advised to check in to a quarantine hotel room.

If you are caring for someone at home who has tested positive for COVID-19, follow these guidelines.

These guidelines have been issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and US's Centre for Disease Control (CDC)

As the patient is showing no symptoms, or is mildly symptomatic, it is important to support them with the right diet and medication, as advised by their doctor.

You can also help them with their daily chores, like grocery shopping or getting their medicines delivered.

If they have a pet, it is best to not let them be in close contact.

It is also important to keep a close eye on any changes in symptoms or the patient's health. Be in regular contact with the doctors or health authorities.

How can you keep yourself safe while caring for a COVID-19 patient?

Ideally, the care giver should be someone who does not fall under the vulnerable category. It is best to avoid contact as much as possible with the patient.

The patient should stay within their room and if possible, provide them with a room with an attached bathroom.

If it is not possible to avoid contact, ensure that the shared spaces are well-ventilated.

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It is also important to ensure high standards of hygiene and disinfection.

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly and do not share utensils or gadgets with the person who is sick.

Always use a liner for dustbins and practice care when handling or disposing garbage.

If the sick person is stepping out, he or she needs to wear a face mask.

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If you have to enter the patient's room, make sure you both are wearing masks.

It is important to not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. To read a detailed guide on how to disinfect your home, visit: gulfnews.com/1.1585838850172

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

In case it is not possible to wash your hands, use a hand sanitiser.

How to clean the bedroom and bathroom - it is best to use a separate bathroom for the sick person.

If the sick person is asymptomatic and is able to, it is best that they clean their own space.

If you are sharing a bathroom it should be cleaned after each use.

Washing clothes - handle laundry with care.

Wash clothes using the warmest appropriate water setting.

It is also important to disinfect your laundry basket and then wash your hands.

As a caregiver, it is important that you also ensure you stay healthy.