Health Ministry issues new advisory for healthcare workers

NEW DELHI: In their latest advisory, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reduced the quarantine period for healthcare workers (HCWs) with high-risk exposure to confirmed COVID-19 from 14 days to one week.

The health ministry also directed the nodal officer or head of the department to form a sub-committee to assess the level of exposure and the risk as per assessment for the healthcare workers managing COVID-19 cases and further ensure that they are being provided with chemoprophylaxis under medical supervision. The Nodal Officer will also make sure that healthcare workers are using Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) while on duty as per their risk profile.

Pregnant, lactating mothers and immuno-compromised healthcare workers have been asked to inform their medical condition to the hospital authorities to get them posted only in non-Covid risks areas.

The health care workers have been advised that they should immediately report every exposure to COVID-19 to the concerned nodal officer and after the information, the Nodal Officer will ascertain whether the exposure comprises of  a high risk or low risk exposure and form a sub-committee to evaluate the level of exposure and risk and as per Health Ministry’s guideline action will be taken.