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COVID19: Home Quarantine Instructions and Precautions

By Dr. Sanjay Sanadhya in Internal Medicine

Sep 12, 2020

Understanding the Home Quarantine Approach for COVID-19

As the world continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve learned that not all cases require hospitalization. Current studies and global data suggest that approximately 80% of COVID-19 infections are mild and can be managed at home with proper care and isolation.

Home quarantine has emerged as a safe, effective, and practical alternative for individuals with mild symptoms. This method eases the burden on healthcare systems while offering comfort and privacy to patients within their own homes.

Also Read: How Dangerous Are the New COVID-19 Variants in 2025?

What is Home Quarantine?

Home quarantine, or home isolation care, is the process of isolating COVID-positive individuals in their homes under the remote supervision of healthcare professionals. It’s recommended for patients showing mild symptoms and who meet specific eligibility criteria determined by a treating physician.

When followed correctly, home quarantine helps prevent the spread of the virus, reduces financial and emotional stress, and frees up hospital beds for critically ill patients.

Also Read: Myths And Facts About Covid-19 Vaccines

Who Qualifies for Home Quarantine?

Patients are considered suitable for home isolation if they:

  • Are adults under 50 years of age
  • Have no serious comorbid conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory illness)
  • Exhibit only mild symptoms like low-grade fever (below 101°F), sore throat, or body aches
  • Have no difficulty in breathing or gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting
  • Can maintain adequate oral intake
  • Have a responsible caregiver aged between 25–50 years
  • Have access to a well-ventilated, separate room with an attached toilet

Pregnant women, the elderly, or individuals with chronic diseases in the same household should ideally be relocated to another safe location during this period.

Also Read: Impact of Increased Screen Time in Children A Burning problem in Covid Era

As per national health guidelines, home quarantine should be maintained for a minimum of 17 days. During this time, the patient is expected to recover and become non-infectious, provided no complications arise.

Hygiene and Sanitization Guidelines for the Household

Effective sanitation is vital to prevent intra-household transmission. Here are some essential precautions:

  • Practice frequent handwashing using soap or hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes
  • Clean metallic surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, handles) with alcohol-based disinfectants
  • Disinfect floors and non-metallic surfaces with a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution (prepare by mixing 7g of bleaching powder in 1 liter of water)
  • Avoid spraying toilets — instead, wipe them using a cloth soaked in disinfectant. Always close the toilet lid before flushing

Patient Responsibilities During Home Quarantine

Patients should:

  • Remain strictly confined to their room at all times
  • Wear a triple-layer surgical mask or N95 mask, replacing it every 8 hours or if soiled
  • Take medications exactly as prescribed
  • Self-monitor temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and urine output
  • Contact a healthcare provider if:
    • Temperature exceeds 101°F
    • Pulse rate crosses 100 without fever
    • Oxygen saturation drops below 95%
    • They feel dizzy, extremely weak, or have reduced urination

Maintaining a healthy diet is also important. Include plenty of fluids, fruits, vegetables, proteins & natural immunity boosters like ginger & turmeric. Patients are encouraged to stay connected with family and friends via phone or video calls to support their emotional well-being.

Also Read: Diabetes and Hypertension Care during COVID-19 Pandemic

Caretaker Precautions and Guidelines

The caregiver plays a crucial role and should:

  • Wear a proper mask, gloves, face shield, and plastic gown when attending to the patient
  • Ensure all utensils & linens used by the patient are kept separate (use disposables if possible)
  • Wash linens in hot water
  • Disinfect all protective gear after use
  • Maintain consistent monitoring of the patient’s vital signs and ensure timely adherence to prescribed medications.
  • Self-monitor their own health daily

The entire household must stay indoors for the quarantine period. Essentials can be arranged via contactless deliveries or with help from neighbors or friends.

Community Responsibilities

Unfortunately, many families under quarantine have faced stigma and isolation. It’s crucial that we act with compassion & responsibility. Neighbors should:

  • Offer support and encouragement
  • Sanitize shared spaces like stair railings, elevator buttons, and door handles daily
  • Instead of ostracizing families affected by COVID-19, offer empathy and support — compassion plays a crucial role in healing and recovery.

Final Thoughts

Home quarantine, when implemented properly, is a powerful tool in our fight against COVID-19. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms or has been in contact with a COVID-positive person, consult your physician or reach out to the experts at Metro Hospitals, Recognized as one of the leading healthcare providers in the Delhi NCR region, we are committed to delivering advanced medical care with compassion, innovation, and excellence.

We’re committed to your safety and well-being — because together, we can overcome this crisis with resilience and responsibility.