DOH Proposes Shorter Isolation Requirements

DOH Speaks on Isolation for Both Vaccinated, Unvaccinated Persons

DOH – The Department of Health proposed shorter isolation requirements amid the increasing cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines.

The Philippines is intensifying its fight against the COVID-19 amid an upward trend of the cases again. Following the holiday season, several cities inside and outside Metro Manila recorded an increase in their daily coronavirus count. The whole Metro Manila is now under Alert Level 3.

According to the Department of Health (DOH) and the Palace, the curb may be escalated to Alert Level 4 in the case the growth of the cases continues. The authorities are trying to make sure that the hospitals don’t get congested with the patients.

Currently, several hospitals in the country are struggling to cope with insufficient staff. Many healthcare workers are getting infected with COVID-19.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire
Photo: The Manila Times

Recently, the Department of Health (DOH) proposed shorter isolation requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, here is the proposed shortened isolation requirement on a case-to-case basis:

  • Probable, mild, and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases
    • 7 days if vaccinated
    • 10 days if unvaccinated
  • Moderate cases
    • 10 days from the onset of the symptoms regardless of the vaccination status
  • Severe cases
    • 21 days regardless of the vaccination status
  • Immuno-compromised individuals
    • 21 days from the onset of the symptoms and is required to present a negative RT-PCR test after isolation
  • Exposed to COVID-19 patient or with close contact
    • 5 days if vaccinated and asymptomatic
    • 14 days if unvaccinated or partially vaccinated

Based on the report, with regards to the healthcare workers who have been exposed to a COVID-19 patient, the required isolation is five (5) days or less depending on the hospital or health facility’s risk assessment.

The Health Department has yet to issue a policy implementing the changes. Rules regarding the pandemic management also usually get the heads up of the Inter-Agency Task Force first. More updates may be posted soon.

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