Kerala to discharge COVID Patients after single negative test

Kochi: COVID patients in Kerala no more have to stay in hospitals till two consecutive tests turn negative within 48 hours. Just one negative test is enough, the new protocol for discharging patients say.  

The revised guidelines could enhance effective use of testing kits as their demand has gone up following sharp spike in cases.  

The decision might help cut patients load in hospitals. Also people with mild symptoms could take follow-up test only on the 10th day of the test done prior to admission. For moderate and severe symptoms, tests are to be done after 14 days.

Asymptomatic patients could be discharged if tested negative, while others have to wait 14 more days.

The new guidelines is based on those from WHO, and ICMR ( Indian Council for Medical Research) recommended discharge of asymptomatic patients on the 10th day with or without testing. Because,  there is less chance for them to be infectious.

Discharged ones are directed against making non-essential travel and social contacts like family visits, weddings and work for seven days.

In the event of a patient is tested positive after 10 or 14 days, the repeat tests are recommended every alternative day until the test results come negative.