Home Isolation 

To reduce the burden on hospitals and COVID-19 care centers, the Ministry of Health has introduced the option of low risk COVID-19 patients isolating in their homes. Here are a few things to keep in mind when quarantining at home:

• REST.
• Remain in a separated well-ventilated room.
• Avoid contact with others as much as possible. Identify one family member who is low risk to be in contact with you. Wear a surgical mask and wash hands before coming into contact with anyone else.
• Do not share washrooms if possible. If sharing, you should disinfect the washroom after each use.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Stop smoking.
• Do not routinely take antibiotics or steroid medication. Only take medication prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.
• Have warm fluids frequently such as tea, kothamalli, jeewani
• Steam inhalation – only for symptomatic relief and always ensure safety
• Keep track of any new or worsening symptoms – If possible, keep a check on your basic vitals – temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate (count the number of breaths per minute), blood pressure and oxygen saturation.
• You should use separate cutlery, plates, dishes and bedding from the rest of the household members.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces often.
• Keep your bed linen and clothes in a laundry bag separate from others.
• All household members should remain at home and avoid any contact with people who don’t live in the same household.
• No visitors should be allowed during the home isolation period.
• Call 1990 if you have any difficulty breathing, chest pain or loss of speech/mobility.
• Keep emergency contact numbers close by.