Enforcing compulsory institutional isolation at this stage of spread in Delhi is #contrary to principles of patient care and judicious use of resources.
Such a process will cause dynamics and disincentives which will fuel further spread of #covid in #Delhi. THREAD

The 'order' is based on the premise that home isolation is causing spread. Where is the evidence? Spread is by multiple factors.
If this is the premise then proposing only 5 days of institutional isolation makes no sense, +ve patients will continue to be infectious beyond 5 days

This will unnecessarily saturate healthcare capacity for cases that do not need facility monitoring. Leaving those who actually need facility care in the lurch. Possibly worsening fatality rates. Also exposing more health workers to patients who would otherwise have been at home.

Delhi govt is doing right by outsourcing 'soft' roles like calling patients to agencies like Portea. Govt can focus on 'hard' stuff -workforce, infra, tracing, testing. Calling patients is CRITICAL, it reduces panic & stops asymptomatic/mild pts from rushing to hospitals. #care

We risk converting a patient care/public health concern into a law &order situation. Asymptomatic/mild symptomatics, are now likely to ‘hide’ illness if they feel 'police will pick them up'. We saw this at the start of the pandemic. Public trust was just starting to be regained.

No country to my knowledge is imposing mandatory institutional quarantine/isolation at this stage of spread. It makes no sense.
Also, government officials continue to use quarantine (contact/at risk) & isolation (covid + / sick) interchangeably. There is a difference.

These orders are in contravention to @MoHFW_INDIA practical & clear guidelines on home isolation (10th May) - https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedguidelinesforHomeIsolationofverymildpresymptomaticCOVID19cases10May2020.pdf
Those who do not meet these will need institutional care.
(These guidelines mention #hcq which is no longer advised without medical supervision)

Most importantly we need to abide by principle of patient & family autonomy-as long as they have the capacity to abide by home isolation guidelines. These are patients, not criminals. Coercion & enforcement will fail. It is time for public engagement, care, reassurance & support.