NO.TO-VII(PH)NCOV-2/2020/40 GOVERNMENT OF SINDH HEALTH DEPARTMENT Karachi, Dated: May 18, 2020 SUBJECT: ADVISORY FOR DISCONTINUATION OF ISOLATION OF COVID-19 PATIENTS In supersession of all previous advisories in relation to subject cited above, with approval of Provincial Task Force on COVID-19, the following advisory is hereby notified with respect to discontinuation of isolation for COVID-19 patients with immediate effect. Isolation can be discontinued after meeting either of the following criteria: 1. At least ten (10) days after onset of illness (i.e. from the date of start of symptoms) AND at least three (3) days after being symptom free.
OR 2.
Ten (10) days since the date of diagnosis, in patients who had remained asymptomatic.
TESTING ADVISORY: For the above patients meeting either of the criteria, a repeat PCR test shall not be required to discontinue isolation and to declare them cured.
EXCEPTIONS The above criteria do not apply to: 1) Immuno-compromised patients i.e. on chemotherapy, cancer, those on steroids etc. 2) Healthcare Workers 3) Those persons living in congregations such as jails, hostels etc. TESTING ADVISORY FOR EXCEPTIONS: For these patients, two consecutive negative PCR tests (at least 24 hours apart) shall be required to discontinue isolation and to declare them cured.
No. TO-VII(PH)nCoV-2/2020/40
(Dr. Mb Raja Dharejo) Additional Secretary (Public Health/Technical) Karachi 18th May 2020
A copy 1. 2. 3. 4.
is forwarded for information to: The Director General, Health Services Sindh, Hyderabad. The Commissioners (all)……………………………………………..Division The Chief Executive Officer, Sindh Healthcare Commission, Karachi The Coordinator for Emergency Operation Centre for Routine Immunization and Polio Eradication, Health Department, Government of Sindh Karachi 5. The Deputy Commissioners (all)…………………………………………District 6. The Directors/Medical Superintendents/CEO of all the Hospitals………………………………. 7. The District Health Officers (all), Health Department, Government of Sindh 8. The Deputy Secretary (Staff) to Chief Minister Sindh, Karachi – (Task Force Secretariat) 9. The Deputy Secretary (Staff) to Chief Secretary Sindh, Karachi 10. The PS to Minister Health and Population Welfare Department, Karachi 11. The PS to Secretary Health Department, Government of Sindh Karachi 12. All Concerned……………………………………………………………………………………………….
(Dr. Mb Raja Dharejo) Additional Secretary (Public Health/Technical)