Covid-19: the difference between quarantine and isolation
The Ranch Resort was on Wednesday identified as a quarantine proximity point for South African citizens being evacuated from Wuhan following the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. This news has created panic among residents. It is important for readers to understand the difference between quarantine and isolation
POLOKWANE – Paul Shearer, the General Manager of The Ranch Resort, confirmed that the establishment was identified as the quarantine proximity point and stated that the premises will be used for quarantine purposes ONLY, and not for patients who need to be in isolation.
Read more: Coronavirus: Ranch Resort Polokwane identified as quarantine point
Know the difference between Quarantine and Isolation:
Quarantine:
Restricts the movement of healthy people who may have been exposed to a communicable disease to limit the spread of disease.
This means that patients who have been exposed to a communicable disease (Covid-19), but do not show symptoms or have a confirmed medical diagnosis will be placed under quarantine to see if they become ill.
Isolation:
Restricts the movement of ill patients to help stop the spread of the disease. This means that those who tested positive for Covid-19 will be placed in isolation. Those that experience severe symptoms will be placed in isolation at a hospital, equipped to deal with the disease.
Shearer stressed that The Ranch will not house any infected patients and that those who show the slightest possibility of having contracted the virus, will be accommodated elsewhere.
In a earlier media statement resident, Cyril Ramaphosa stated that none of these citizens have tested positive for COVID-19, or showed symptoms. They will be observed for 21 days.
