Home quarantine procedures OK’d

Dr Bassel Al-Sabah, issued a ministerial decision Sunday to adopt the necessary mechanism in implement “home quarantine procedures”, in a manner that ensures the preservation of health and safety to all.

The decision is within the framework of efforts and measures taken by the ministry to confront the spread of coronavirus, known as COVID-19.

The mechanism, according to the decision paper, which KUNA obtained a copy of, includes procedures to be followed by the person in home quarantine.

One of the main aspects of the decision is to ensure choosing a separate room from the rest of the family, preferably a separate floor, with a separate bathroom, and if a separate bathroom is not available, a shared bathroom must be cleaned after each use.

Among the procedures also is making sure to open windows, ventilating the room continuously, not mixing with the rest of the family at home, refraining from receiving visitors and not leaving the quarantine area.

In the event of any medical emergency, those in quarantine can call the designated number from by Ministry, which is (151).

Usage of phone is essential when you need to communicate with anyone at home, including responding to emails for daily follow-up regarding health symptoms and temperature and not to share your personal belongings with anyone, and ensure that it is clean and sterilized.

The procedures emphasized the continuous sterilization of surfaces and door handles, not sharing towels with other people at home.

The procedures, among other things, also focused on eating separately and not with the family members.

The minister’s decision also stressed ensuring that adequate medical supplies are available at home in the event of suffering from a chronic illness.

The decision also highlighted procedures that must be followed by family members and other residents with the person in the home quarantine.

The minister noted that quarantined individuals must use the electronic application (Shlonk) to follow their status or situation at home, and to be able to communicate with them and check on their health and make sure they adhere to home quarantine procedures.

The decision also assigned teams by the Ministry of Health that will make unannounced visits to quarantine individuals, and a report will be prepared from doctors or health inspectors on each case.