Filenews 1 April 2021
Strict recommendations to positive cases of coronavirus were issued by the Ministry of Health, following an update from the Tracing Group, since in recent times it has been observed that people positive for SARS-CoV-2 have been released from the mandatory restriction before the completion of 14 days of diagnosis, either on the instructions of their Personal Physician or on their own initiative.
The following concerning the management of positive events and their close contacts are therefore recalled:
- Management of positive incidents:
By announcing the positive result after a rapid antigen test or PCR test (molecular test) from any sampling point, the virus positive person must:
- put directly into self-contained control,
- inform the Doctor's Staff, and
- expect a call from the Ministry of Health.
It is understood that he should not visit any other rapid test sampling point for retesting, as there is a risk of spreading the virus to other bystanders. Please note that the results from the rapid test sampling points are notified to the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit after the tests have been completed and communication by the Tracing Team is made within 24 hours. The case must follow the instructions for self-isolation.
When telephone communication with the case is made by the Tracing Team, data will be requested that will be used confidentially exclusively to identify the source of infection of the positive case, identify its contacts and understand the virus. At the end of the tracing process, the positive case receives by email or sms and in writing the instructions for self-isolation, as well as instructions for completing his close contacts in the relevant Table.
The Personal Physician is responsible for monitoring the health of his patients/beneficiaries and releasing confirmed cases, in accordance with the release protocol and no earlier than 14 days after the diagnosis or onset of symptoms. Persons who do not have a Personal Physician are released from the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit. With their release, all cases receive a text message indicating the day of release. Sick leave is given by the Personal Physician.
For general information cases can call 1474, while for reporting worsening symptoms, medical assessment, need to be transferred to a hospital can call 1420. For matters relating to the tracing process, communication is made by telephone at 22771923 or electronically at the e-contacttracing2@moh.gov.cy. For release issues, positive cases can be contacted by the Release Team at covidfollowup@moh.gov.cy.
- Manage close case contacts:
Close contacts shall be determined by specific criteria in accordance with the protocol in force. During the tracing process, the case is asked to indicate the contacts it had two days before the onset of symptoms or two days before the test (in case of asymptomatic cases). This data shall be collected and managed in accordance with the principles of confidentiality and shall be used only for the purpose of tracing and ensuring public health after approval by the Privacy Commissioner.
Close contacts undergo a PCR test after arranging an appointment from the Public Health Clinics and receive instructions via text message for self-regulation. Close contacts are placed in mandatory self-restriction for 14 days from their last contact with the case regardless of laboratory result (contact day is defined as day zero). Close contacts can be released earlier ONLY with negative PCR on the 10th day than any approved laboratory.
Release on the 10th day with negative PCR applies only to close contacts and not to positive cases .
Medical practitioners and other staff working in hospitals may return to work on the 7th day with a negative PCR result and in consultation with the local infection committee, but remain in a social self-contained state for the remainder of the remaining days.
If close contacts are not isolated from the positive case (e.g. mothers with children, or dependents with their caregivers), then the day of initiation of their isolation starts from the day of release of the positive case, since until the last day before its release the positive person is potentially contagious.
Employers or health and health officials or local infection committees are responsible for tracing and reporting close contacts within workplaces, nursing homes, nursing homes, military bases and detention centres for migrants and refugees.
Close contacts are not released by their Personal Physician but only at the end of the days described above. Persons who have been declared close contacts are entitled to a certificate of special leave on grounds of public health which can be presented to their work and compensated by the Department of Social Insurance through an application.
It is understood that close contacts are not allowed to visit rapid test sampling points, as there is a risk of spreading the virus to other bystanders and they will have to wait for information from the Public Health Clinics to schedule appointments.
Close contacts can contact 1474 for general information about COVID19, or for issues related to the tracing process by phone at 22771923 or online at contacttracing2@moh.gov.cy.
For complaints of self-contained infringements or close contacts, citizens can call 22606789.
Source: eyenews
