The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has recommended shorter COVID-19 home isolation, cutting the time for people have no or mild symptoms from 10 days to 7 days.

Under the new guidance, those who are infected with COVID-19 who have no or mild symptoms can undergo home recovery and resume normal activities after 7 days instead of 10 days as previously regulated by the Health Ministry , if they test negative. They will be eligible for getting a recovery certificate from their local medical stations. But if the test is positive, fully-vaccinated people should remain self-isolated for 3 more days, and those who have received just one dose should stay at home for 7 more days.

The new policy allows for mild and moderately-ill patients to be discharged from hospital 5 days after the day of admission, if there is no fever without the use of medication and clinical improvement with at least some respiratory recovery, and if they either receive a negative PCR or rapid antigen result or have a low virus load for three days before discharge.

But if their test is still positive, isolation of SARS-CoV-2 will be extended until day 10 from the day of admission, and there is no need for repeat testing.

After discharge, recoveries should self-monitor their health at home for 7 days, and measure their body temperature twice a day, as well as follow the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health. They should immediately contact the doctor if they develop any abnormal symptoms.

It is possible for severely immunocompromised patients to remain infectious for prolonged periods, even if they do not display any symptoms of COVID-19. The isolation period for these patients whilst in hospital should be at least 14 days.

Reporting by baotintuc – Translating by H.L