Omicron scare: 7-day home isolation for contacts of international arrivals

BENGALURU: Soon after the Union Health Ministry asked the states to reactivate Covid-19 war rooms and enhance restrictions and surveillance in the backdrop of rising Omicron cases, the State Government has now directed that health officials to ensure compulsory 7-day home quarantine of all primary and secondary contacts of patients who are international arrivals.

“Though the overall infection in Karnataka is under control, obedience of quarantine by contacts of patients and international arrivals will ensure we keep numbers low. Hence the government is focusing on preventive side with contact tracing and quarantine,” said a note from Munish Moudgil, Director, State War Room for Covid-19.

Speaking to TNIE, he said irrespective of the country of arrival, if they test positive, then it is mandatory for any person in contact with them to quarantine at home for seven days. And international travellers from high-risk countries need to be quarantined for seven days from the date of their arrival until the follow-up and repeat RT-PCR test on the 8th day. The government has asked the health officials, deputy commissioners and district surveillance officials to steadfastly track, trace and quarantine primary and secondary contacts of persons within 24 hours of reporting of Covid-19 positive cases.

“The primary contacts should be tested on the first day and again on the 8th day and home quarantined for seven days from the date of Covid positive reporting,” he said. Meanwhile, there will be increased surveilance of such people by the voulnteers by visiting their homes to ensure complaince.