When the entire nation is fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, it is really important to break the chain of the spread of the Coronavirus. The best way to break this chain is to isolate the victim from others. Self-isolation is the best way to slow the rate of infection; however, the question is how?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has listed certain guidelines for COVID-19 patients to efficiently self-isolate themselves to prevent the infection of Coronavirus to others. The guidelines are:
1. The patients should not leave their homes unless it is not related to the care procedure.
2. The person who is catering to the needs of patients should also follow the directions of proper sanitization.
3. The patients should not have any form of physical contact with others. They should be using separate rooms, washrooms, utensils, food and other items.
4. Even though pets are immune to the Coronavirus, they can be carriers of the virus. Thus, there should be minimal contact with animals too.
5. If the patient comes in contact with any object, that needs to be disinfected immediately with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
6. Ideally, the patient should wear a mask all the time to prevent any sort of infection through the particles from coughs and sneezes. If it is not possible, they should sneeze or cough into the bend of their elbow to stop the spread of the virus through droplets.
7. Since the spread of the virus cannot be quantified, every “high-touch” item and place should be disinfected and sanitized, including kitchen, bathroom, doors, tables, clothes, utensils and others.
8. All disposable gloves, facemasks and other contaminated items should be placed in a lined container before disposing of them with other household waste.
9. Self-isolation shouldn’t end until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. To know when the time is right, the decision should be made in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
References
1. Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick, CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
2. Recommended precautions for household members, intimate partners, and caregivers in a nonhealthcare setting of a patient with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or a patient under investigation, CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html
3. Self-isolation if you or someone you live with has symptoms of COVID-19, NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/
