Dubai: If you or someone you know has tested positive for COVID-19, what are the steps you need to follow to observe isolation and quarantine?
Emirates Health Services (EHS) took to its social media channels to explain what the procedures are for isolation procedures, in case someone tests positive for COVID-19, as well as quarantine, in case you are in close contact with a COVID-19 positive case.
Here is what you need to know about the process to follow, in case you live in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain or Fujairah.
I tested positive for COVID-19
If you test positive for COVID-19, these are the isolation procedures as per EHS:
1. The isolation period for the individual can be completed at home or at a designated facility. An individual with severe symptoms would need to be isolated at a hospitals, so as to be provided with the necessary care.
2. The period of isolation is for 10 days. You need to ensure that there are no symptoms for the last three days of isolation.
I was in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19
If you are in close contact with a COVID-19 positive case, these are the steps to follow:
1. Quarantine and do a PCR test on Day 5 – The close contract must adhere to the home quarantine procedures and perform a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test on Day 5, with Day 1 being the day on which he or she was in contact with the COVID-19 positive person.
2. If the result of the PCR test is positive, the isolation period needs to be completed at home or at a designated facility. A patient with severe symptoms will be isolated in hospitals, where the necessary care is provided to him or her.
The period of isolation continues for 10 days. You need to ensure that there are no symptoms for the last three days of isolation.
3. If the result of PCR test is negative, a vaccinated individuals must remain in quarantine for a total of seven days. Unvaccinated individuals must remain in quarantine for a period of 10 days.
Do I need a negative PCR test result to end my isolation?
In another post, EHS noted that it is not required to undergo a PCR examination to end the isolation period. The correct procedure is to complete a period of 10 days of isolation for those who had mild to no symptoms, provided that they showed no symptoms for at least 24 to 48 hours before the completion of the isolation period. This includes having no fever, without the use of antipyretic drugs.
