Dubai: If you have been undergoing a quarantine at home because of coming in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, do you need a negative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test result before you resume your routine activities like going to work?
In a post on its social media channels, DHA answered this question and also clarified that the period of isolation is different from the period of quarantine.
While both isolation and quarantine refer to the act of separating yourself from others, in order to stop the spread of the virus, the term ‘isolation’ is used for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. Quarantine is used for a person who has been in close contact with a positive case.
When you test positive
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you will be considered a ‘confirmed case’. For confirmed cases, the DHA guidelines require a 10-day isolation period.
“There is no need to re-do the PCR test after completing 10 days of isolation,” the post read.
Also, you can get a clearance certificate after completing the isolation period by calling 800 342 or through the COVID-19 DXB smart app.
When you are a close contact
If you were in close contact with a person who has tested positive, you would need to undergo quarantine for seven days. The post put up by DHA added: “There is no need to re-do the PCR test after completing 10 days of isolation.”
When does the quarantine period start?
In a detailed document, providing isolation and quarantine guidelines, DHA had also clarified when the seven-day quarantine period begins:
1. Two days before the confirmed COVID-19 positive case undertook a PCR test or
2. Two days before the confirmed COVID-19 positive case showed any COVID-19 symptoms, if you met the individual for more than 15 minutes and if the physical distance maintained was one metre or less.
For example:
If you had dinner with a friend on September 1 and on September 3, your friend went for a PCR test and the result was positive, your quarantine period will begin from September 1 (Two days before the date of the PCR test) until September 7.
If you had dinner with a friend on September 1 and on September 5, your friend went for a PCR test and the result was positive, you are not a close contact and therefore you do NOT need to quarantine.
