Today, Punjab government has revised its guidelines regarding isolation and discharge criteria for COVID-19 patients.

On recommendations of the Corona Expert Advisory Group (CEAG) and Technical Working Group(TWG), new guidelines are being issued.

New guidelines are as follows:

For Symptomatic patients with confirmed COVID-19:

Those who are symptomatic, the following symptom-based strategy is recommended:

They must continue at least 10 days of isolation from the start of symptoms and at least 3 days of isolation after resolution of following symptoms:

• Fever without antipyretics.
• No or improved respiratory symptom e.g. dry cough, shortness of breath.

For Asymptomatic patients with confirmed COVID-19:

Those who are asymptomatic, the following time-based strategy is recommended:

Must isolate themselves for at least 10 days from the date of COVID test result.

Exception to these guidelines:

Following categories of patients will require two consecutive negative PCR tests 24 hours apart in order to discontinue isolation:

• Immunocompromised patients
• Healthcare workers involved in patient care
• People living in congregations such as hostels, madressahs, prisons and community.

Yesterday, Corona Expert Advisory Group (CEAG) held a press conference and notified the media on revised guidelines. CEAG convener Prof. Dr. Mahmood Shaukat said this on the new guidelines:

"We've revised our guidelines for the clinical management of the COVID-19 confirmed patients and abolished their mandatory two tests. This move aims at reducing burden by discharging patients from hospitals."

Under new orders, COVID-19 patient will be put under observation on the 10th day of his/her admission to take decision either he/she is eligible for further stay at the hospital for treatment or not. In case, the patient doesn't show symptoms for three consecutive days after the 10th day, the hospital will perform his/her two mandatory tests and he/she will be discharged.