By Kaya 959 Reporter
The Department of Health has backtracked on its revised contact tracing, quarantine and isolation protocols. The department has come under fire after it announced that all contact tracing should be stopped.
In a circular, the department also called for all quarantines to be stopped regardless of the person’s vaccination status.
It added that no testing was required unless the person began to display COVID-19 symptoms.
The department also said there is no isolation period required for asymptomatic people.
“To do self-observation for 5-7 days for development of any symptoms with enhanced precautions including avoiding attending settings where many people gather, mask-wearing and social distancing,” the department stated.
However, this week the department recalled the circular.
“The reason for the revision was based on a number of scientific factors including the fact that most people have been vaccinated with at least one vaccine dose and developed some level of immunity.
“This has contributed to the current low hospitalisation and high recovery rates,” it said in a statement.
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Circular will be re-issued
The department will re-issue an amended circular once officials have considered all additional inputs and comments. been considered.
Doctor Tshwale, media liaison for Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, says many people do not show any symptoms. He says only a small percentage of them are diagnosed.
“A number of people including children who are in contact with COVID-19 positive people, lose their income and valuable school time while staying at home without symptoms,” he says.
The department says in line with the principles of transparency and openness, officials have decided to put the implementation of the revised policy changes on hold.
“This means the status quo remains, and all prior existing regulations with regards to contact tracing, quarantine and isolation remain applicable,” the department said.
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