Isolate for 10 days, continue to mask up: WHO updates Covid-19 guidelines over recent surge

Covid-19 cases are increasing in several countries around the world. The scare that another wave of the coronavirus disease might hit people is still on the rise. Amid the increase in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued new guidelines to control the deadly surge. As new variants of Covid continue to manipulate the health charts around the world, WHO has asked people to continue wearing masks and take the booster dose of the vaccine to control the surge. The health authority has also updated Covid-19 guidelines.

Updated guidelines to curb Covid-19 surge

Here are the WHO updated Covid-19 guidelines that you need to know:

Isolation period reduced for Covid-19 patients

While infected people were asked to stay in isolation for longer, the world health authority has reduced the isolation period:

• Covid-19 patients who are showing symptoms should isolate themselves for at least 10 days from the day they start experiencing the symptoms.
• While people infected with the disease only have to isolate for 10 days, they must be under surveillance for another 3 days.
• In case you test negative in an antigen-based rapid test, you can get discharged early from isolation.
• People who have not experienced any symptoms of Covid-19, they only need to isolate for 5 days.

Also Read: Covid fear grips China: Will coronavirus get worse in India?

Masks are the best defense against Covid-19

Regardless of the epidemiological situation, you must wear masks to prevent getting infected, especially when the cases are spreading at a rapid rate.
Wearing a mask in public spaces still remains the best defence against Covid, as per WHO.

WHO recommends wearing a mask, especially if:

• You are exposed to the virus recently
• You suspect you have been infected with Covid
• You are at high risk of severe Covid-19
• You are in a crowded or poorly ventilated place.

Covid treatment updates

• WHO has extended its recommendation for Paxlovid or nirmatrelvir-ritonavir.
• Pregnant women should consult their doctor to know if this drug is good for them or not.
• WHO recommends that the use of sotrovimab and casirivimab-imdevimab should continue.

Covid-19 cases in India

The Covid-19 situation in India continues to be under control as the number of cases declined to 2,119, as per the updated data by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Meanwhile, the total Covid tally in India stands at 4.46 crore and the total number of deaths reported is 5.3 crore.

To further the decline in total cases in India, state and central governments are taking measures to control the spread. In fact, the Delhi government plans on starting a door-to-door administration of Covid-19 booster shots. As per the data, the overall count of administered booster shots is low, which is why the government is taking steps to administer more booster doses.

Having said that, your best defense against coronavirus disease is masking and getting vaccinated against Covid-19. If you haven’t received the booster shot yet, it is time to get it now to avoid getting infected.