Asymptomatic patients will be discharged from isolation 10 days after the positive test for SARS-CoV-2, while symptomatic patients to be discharged from isolation 10 days after onset of symptoms, with at least 3 additional days without symptoms.

The revised de-isolation protocol announced by health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula requires all patients to have a test conducted on Day 10 after the initial test, for asymptomatic or Day 10 after symptom onset for symptomatic.

According to Dr Shangula, if the test is positive, the patient will be instructed to exercise additional caution with physical distancing, wearing a mask, and hand hygiene for the next 10 days.

These recommendations, Dr Shangula said, are in line with the newest WHO and CDC guidance.

“Any confirmed COVID-19 case that has been de-isolated according to the aforementioned criteria will be considered as having recovered. Thus, recovery would no longer be based on re-testing negative on PCR,” he said.

In addition, Dr Shangula said current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted between people through close contact and droplets. Aerosol-generating medical procedures are also associated with an increased risk of infection.

“Against this background, the Ministry of Health and Social Services developed a framework to classify Health Care Workers into either High or Low Risk, depending on the context of their work environment and the level and nature of possible exposure to infection.

“Those regarded as High-Risk HCWs are required to be quarantined in line with the SOPs and those regarded as Low-Risk HCWs are NOT required to quarantine. The risk categorization is conducted by the Infection, Prevention and Control Experts to ensure objectivity.

“The message cannot be re-emphasised. Let us protect ourselves individually. Let us protect our neighbours. Let us protect our communities. Let us protect our country. Together, we can vanquish COVID-19.”