Kettering Health Network is following guidance from the CDC and ODH regarding criteria for removing COVID-19 patients from isolation. This non-test-based strategy is favored over repeat testing because PCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA can persist long after the infectious period has ended.
Symptom-Based Strategy for Discontinuing Transmission-Based Precautions
Patients with mild-to-moderate illness who are not severely immunocompromised:
- At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
- At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
- Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved
Note: For patients who are not severely immunocompromised and who were asymptomatic throughout their infection, Transmission-Based Precautions may be discontinued when at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive viral diagnostic test.
Patients with severe-to-critical illness or who are severely immunocompromised:
- At least 20 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
- At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
- Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved
Note: For severely immunocompromised patients who were asymptomatic throughout their infection, Transmission-Based Precautions may be discontinued when at least 20 days have passed since the date of their first positive viral diagnostic test.