In an effort to support the growing number of patients requiring home isolation as a result of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has launched a Centralized Home Isolation Service for COVID-19 patients in Qatar, operated by the Communicable Disease Center (CDC).

Medical Director of the CDC Dr. Muna Al Maslamani explained that isolating people with COVID-19 is one of the most important strategies in limiting the spread of the virus. "Since the start of the pandemic more than 12 months ago we have worked hard to ensure that people with COVID-19 are able to isolate in a suitable environment while they remain contagious. With the number of active COVID-19 cases rising in recent months we have seen a significant increase in the number of people needing to isolate."

"Dedicated isolation facilities established by the healthcare system last year continue to provide support for people with COVID-19 who need to isolate but cannot do so safety at home. But individuals who meet a specific set of home isolation criteria including being asymptomatic or with mild symptoms, and having a private room and bathroom at their home can undergo their isolation period at home," added Dr. Al Maslamani.

COVID-19 patients are referred to the Centralized Home Isolation Service for COVID-19 service from various sources including COVID-19 hospitals, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Centers, isolation facilities and the Isolation Service Command Center, based on current Home Isolation Criteria.

"Through the new Centralized Home Isolation Service for COVID-19 patients our medical teams will telephone approved home isolation patients during their isolation period to check on their health status and if needed provide them with medical care. Additionally, patients can call the CDC Home Isolation Hotline 4025 1666 to speak to a physician 24 hours a day," explained Dr. Al Maslamani.

COVID-19 patients undergoing home isolation are required to abide by the rules and regulations of a Ministry of Public Health Home Isolation Undertaking and to download the Ehteraz Application.

(QNA)