When to admit a COVID 19 patient

What type of COVID 19 patients should be admitted immediately?

If a COVID 19 patient (Detected by Positive Rapid Antigen Test or COVID 19 PCR Test) is;

• Aged below 02 years or over 65 years
• Has uncontrolled comorbidities (illnesses or related factors) such as morbid obesity (BMI>30), diabetes, chronic heart/lung/renal illnesses, or any other illnesses
• Is an immunocompromised patient or on any long term immunosuppressive therapy such as steroids
• If pregnant, gestational age above 24 weeks

Some patients can be admitted to a government or private isolation center if;

• No isolated room facility with adequate ventilation and washroom facilities at home
• No adequate self-care or caregiver support at home
• No proper communication facilities and ability to communicate (Patient or caregiver)
• Patient is not willing to go for home isolation even if they are eligible

Health authorities (Area Medical Officer of Health (MOH)) will review admit to a hospital or government isolation center (Or if the patients is eligible and requests- to a paid private isolation facility authorised by health authorities).

It is advised to contact health authorities as soon as you or a member of your family becomes COVID 19 positive.

When do you need to admit a home isolated COVID 19 patient to a hospital?

During the home isolation of COVID 19 patients, be on the vigil for any warning RED signs of:

• Progressive worsening of persisting symptoms (Eg. Cough / Fever)
• Difficulty in breathing at rest after mild exertion such as walking for a few meters within the room / after having a body wash / mild exercise etc.
• If a pulse oximeter (NMRA registered brand) is available, and Oxygen saturation is below 96% at rest or below 94% after mild exertion
• Persistent chest pain or heaviness
• Symptoms of dehydration
• Altered mental state (Confusion/drowsiness/irritability)

These patients need admission to a COVID 19 treatment hospital

In case the patient has any of these signs:

• Immediately inform your MOH or PHI
• Call the Health Ministry hotline – 0117 966 366
• IF signs aggravate such as difficulty in breathing call 1990 Suwaseriya Ambulance for hospital admission.