Karnataka COVID-19 guidelines: No RT-PCR test needed after recovery – Details

KEY STORY

• The Karnataka government, on Wednesday, revised the guidelines for testing, isolation, and quarantine for COVID-19. According to the latest guidelines in Karnataka for the general population, patients in home isolation shall be released after at least seven days have passed from testing positive and no fever has been recorded for three preceding and successive days. The revised guidelines by the Karnataka government also specify that there is no need for re-testing after the home isolation period is over.

• According to the latest COVID guidelines in Karnataka, the symptomatic patients will be tested by Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). RAT negatives will be followed by RT-PCR tests in line with the ICMR guidelines. The new guidelines also mandate that all primary contacts, including asymptomatics, will be tested irrespective of their age and comorbidities.

#COVID19 | Karnataka Govt revises guidelines for testing, isolation & quarantine. For general population, patients in home isolation shall be released after at least 7 days have passed from testing positive & no fever for 3 preceding & successive days; no need for re-testing. pic.twitter.com/tPTmF2wVEH

— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2022

Seven-day home quarantine for primary contacts

The latest Karnataka state COVID-19 guidelines mandate that the primary contacts of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 will have to undergo seven days of home quarantine. No re-testing is required before release.

The guidelines also mandate the isolation requirements for healthcare workers. Earlier today, the Basavaraj Bommai government in Karnataka said that the decision regarding relaxing the existing COVID-19 rules will be taken after consulting experts. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Bommai said that though there has been a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, hospitals are reporting fewer cases.

“Following COVID-19 rules is very essential. The decision will take after the expert will review it and present full picture before us on Friday,” Bommai said. He further added that the decision regarding the lifting of the night curfew in Karnataka will also be taken in the expert meeting.