In an effort to support the growing number of patients requiring home isolation as a result of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has launched a Centralized Home Isolation Service for COVID-19 patients in Qatar, operated by the Communicable Disease Center (CDC).

CDC Medical Director Dr Muna Al Maslamani explained that isolating people with COVID-19 is one of the most important strategies in limiting the spread of the virus.

Since the start of the pandemic more than 12 months ago we have worked hard to ensure that people with COVID-19 are able to isolate in a suitable environment while they remain contagious. With the number of active COVID-19 cases rising in recent months we have seen a significant increase in the number of people needing to isolate.

The dedicated isolation facilities established by the healthcare system last year continue to provide support for people with COVID-19 who need to isolate but cannot do so safely at home.

According to Dr Al Maslamani, individuals who meet a specific set of home isolation criteria – including being asymptomatic or with mild symptoms, and having a private room and bathroom at their home – can undergo their isolation period at home.

Referral system

COVID-19 patients are referred to the Centralized Home Isolation Service for COVID-19 from various sources such as COVID-19 hospitals, PHCC, Sidra Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Centres, isolation facilities and the Isolation Service Command Center. Referrals are based on current home isolation criteria.

Through the new service, medical teams will call approved home isolation patients during their isolation period to check on their health status and if needed, provide them with medical care. Additionally, patients can call the CDC Home Isolation Hotline at 4025 1666 to speak to a physician 24 hours a day.

COVID-19 patients undergoing home isolation are required to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Public Health and to download the Ehteraz app.

Visit hamad.qa for updates and more information. 

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