Revisiting Covid definitions

What to do when a colleague is tested covid positive ?

A.

The people who are thus exposed are called Contacts.

Contacts are two type.

1. High Risk Contact–
Anyone in close proximity ( < 1 meter) of a positive case without precautions ( Mask etc.., sanitiser) for a significant time ( 30 min).

2. Low Risk Contact–
Shared the same space but without high risk exposure.

B.

Period of infectivity of a positive case–

A positive case may have symptoms or may not.

Transmission is maximum from 48 hours before the onset of symptoms to 10 days after. Total quarantine period is taken for 14 days.

C.

Only High Risk contact should be advised quarantine at home for 14 days. He will be tested only if symptoms arise. Incubation period is on an average 5 days.

Low Risk contact will not be isolated. He should monitor himself for symptoms ( fever, Cough, breathing difficulty) for 14 days. He should report only when symptoms start.

Testing Protocols are summarised by ICMR from time to time:

Briefly:

•  All symptomatic Influenza like illnesses ( ILI ) 
• Asymptomatic High risk Contacts ( between D5 – D10)