Q: If you or another member of your household tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 via RT PCR (swab test), then there is now a confirmed case of COVID-19 in your household. What can you do?

A thread.

1) Contact your local city/municipal/barangay hotline to notify health staff of your situation. You may also contact your personal/family doctor. If in doubt, call the DOH COVID hotline at 894-26843.

This should initiate the process of contact tracing, which will help protect all of the family, friends and loved ones whom you may have met from two days before your symptoms appeared (or when your swab was done, for those with no symptoms) to 14 days later.

2) Isolate yourself. The latest/most recent date of either a) when symptoms first appeared, or b) if without symptoms, when the swab for RT PCR was done, will be day zero of isolation. Isolate for a full 14 days from that date.

It is preferred to isolate at a Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (TTMF) or LIGTAS COVID Center. There may be options such as designated hotels, depending on your city/municipality/barangay.

If you choose to isolate at home, make sure that local authorities are aware and will approve. Key requirements: separate room with own bathroom for the patient, and no high-risk persons such as older people or those with chronic conditions in the house.

3) For those who can isolate at home: have a monitoring sheet for each person. In the monitoring sheet, record body temperature and any symptoms twice a day, upon waking up (usually 8am) and before sleeping (usually 8pm).

4) Take Paracetamol for fever, headache or body pains. For any difficulty breathing, dizziness, or other unusual symptoms, call the doctor or barangay for immediate medical attention.

5) No need for supplements. A balanced diet with lots of fruits and veg, and lots of water or juice (avoid caffeine) should be okay. And complete rest.

6) It's also okay, even encouraged to maintain electronic/online contact - video calls as much as you like with family, friends, and loved ones. :)

7) It is important to honestly record body temp and symptoms twice a day. This is because isolation can only be discontinued once three consecutive days have no fever (temp > 37.5 C) or other symptoms, PLUS at least 14 days of isolation completed.

For further questions and comments, please call the DOH COVID hotline at 894-26843.

End of thread.