DOCTORS on Call, supported by the Government Employees’ Medical Scheme (GEMS) has published some handy advice on all things Covid, including what to do when your test comes back negative.

There is some confusion surrounding quarantine vs isolation and how long a person must do either, or any.

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The Doctors on Call posters deal with the most frequently asked questions and settling the confusion.

When am I a close contact?
You are not a close contact if you haven’t been in close contact with a Covid-positive person, you wore full personal protective equipment (PPE) and didn’t spend a prolonged period of time in a closed space with the person. For these, you do not need to quarantine

What must I do if I’m sick?
If sick, stay at home

If I’ve had close contact with someone diagnosed with Covid?
Quarantine for the full 14 days regardless of whether you show symptoms or not

How do I stay safe from Covid?
Keep your distance (avoid close contact with anyone), wear your mask at all times while out in public and wash your hands regularly, open windows and stay outdoors as much as possible (this disperses the virus)

What does close contact with a positive person mean?
Being face-to-face (within 1m) of the person, being in a small room or in a vehicle – public as well as private transport – with the person; living in the same house or sharing the same kitchen and utensils with the person; kissing, touching, holding hands or hugging; someone coughing on you

Who needs to quarantine?
Quarantining is for people who are not sick but who are close contacts of a Covid-positive person. When in quarantine, there is no going out, no visitors and also no need to be tested unless you show symptoms. Quarantine must be for the full 14 days from your last contact with the positive person. Fourteen days is the window period. A negative test does not change this. If you get symptoms during your quarantine period, start self-isolating (14 days) from the day of the onset of symptoms. No exceptions

What if my test comes back negative and I’ve not finished my 14 days quarantine?
Positive tests are 100% reliable while negative test results are only up to 70% reliable. False negatives are possible and are common. A negative test does not confirm that you are not infected. If you are sick, stay at home

Must I retest at the end of my quarantine/isolation?
There is no need to repeat a test after 14 days isolation or quarantine, to return to work. Employers should not ask for this

When must I self-isolate?
Self-isolation is for sick people. If showing symptoms, stay away from people as you are contagious. Wear a mask, clean the surfaces at home regularly, stay in a ventilated room. Make sure you stay alone – no going out, no visitors for 14 days from the onset of symptoms

What is a window period?
The Covid-19 window period is 1-14 days if no symptoms. Testing during this time is of no value as it will be negative. Only test if showing symptoms.

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