No need of testing before discharging patients with mild symptoms, say revised discharge policy | KNO

Kashmir News Observer (KNO)

Srinagar, May 23 (KNO): The health authorities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have stated that there is no need to conduct tests of those patients who have mild symptoms before discharging them. Official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the health authorities have issued a revised policy for Covid-19 positive patients which state that the test for very mild and pre-symptomatic patients is not necessary and also the patients should not be kept in Covid facility for more than 10 days. The revised discharge policy for COVID-19 patients, states that there will be no need for testing before discharging the patient. “At the time of discharge, the patient will be advised to isolate himself at home and self-monitor their health for a further 7 days.” It states "Mild/very mild/pre-symptomatic cases admitted to a COVID Care Facility will undergo regular temperature and pulse oximetry monitoring. The patient can be discharged after 10 days of symptom onset and no fever for 3 days. There will be no need for testing prior to discharge". "At any point in time, prior to discharge from CCC, if the oxygen saturation dips below 95%, the patient is moved to dedicated COVID Health Centre (DCHC),” reads the revised policy. It further states "After discharge from the facility, if he/she again develops symptoms of fever, cough, or breathing difficulty he will contact the COVID Care Centre or State helpline or 1075. His/her health will again be followed up through teleconference on 14th day". The policy states that the cases clinically classified as “moderate cases” will undergo monitoring of body temperature and oxygen saturation. “If the fever resolve within 3 days and the patient maintains saturation above 95% for the next 4 days (without oxygen support), such patients will be discharged after 10 days of symptom,"—(KNO)