Last update:

March 2022

Guidelines for
Isolation
of confirmed covid-19 cases
INDEX
Click to go to the desired page

• Who is a COVID-19 confirmed case?

• Symptoms
• COVID-19 Patient Journey
• Isolation
• Isolation: FAQs
• Home isolation
• Watch instructions
• Waste Management
• Home isolation: FAQs
• Boost your immunity
• Suggested activities List
• Contact numbers

You must adhere to the Isolation instructions and

any violation may expose you to legal liability

Law number 14 /2014 for Communicable diseases

Who is a COVID-19
confirmed case?
A person with 2 positive PCR test results for COVID-19,
irrespective of clinical symptoms, is considered to be a
confirmed case. It is important to note that the result
should be from an approved medical facility.
 Symptoms

The patient should seek urgent medical care and visit the nearest
hospital if he has any of the following symptoms:

Shortness of breath Chest pain/ Conjunctival

chest tightness congestion and
itchy eyes

Syncope/ dizziness Blue lips and Intractable

face vomiting

Diarrhea > 6 Worsening Headache Palpitation

times/day score > 7/10

High fever (more Reduced urine Loss of appetite Hemoptysis

than 38.5 °C) output/ stop
passing urine
 COVID-19
Patient Journey
Positive
PCR test result

High risk Other

categories* categories**

Head to one of the designated Covid-19 Negative

Prime Assessment Centers for medical Retest in any health facility PCR test result
assessment and isolation measures in the Emirate
(once you receive the first positive
result)
Positive
PCR test result

Abu Dhabi: Negative

Mafraq Hospital PCR test result
Al Mushrif (Al Mushrif Wedding Hall)
Retest in any health
For laborers: facility Self-isolate at home
Madinat Mohamed Bin Zayed Center and the Covid-19 virtual
assessment center will Resume activities and
Al Ain: contact you to complete the continue to follow
Al Ain Convention Center Gate 7 isolation measures. precautionary measures

Al Dhafra:
Madinat Zayed City Center
Al Dhafra Hospitals Prime Assessment
Centers

To end isolation you must:

1. Get 2 negative results 24 hours apart
or
2. Conduct a PCR test on days 8 and 10 and complete 10 days in isolation with no symptoms in the last 3 days of isolation,
after medical evaluation

*Those who are 50 years old or above or have symptoms or have a chronic disease or pregnant women
** Mild or medium symptoms and no chronic disease

In case of severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, you can head directly to the nearest emergency center
 Isolation
When does the isolation end for a
person with COVID-19 who did not
feel any symptoms or experience
only mild symptoms?

10 days
If the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 without
showing any symptoms or showing mild symptoms, home
isolation ends after getting two consecutive negative
results at least 24 hours apart or completing 10 days of
isolation after the first positive result so that the patient is
clinically stable without any symptoms, then he is no longer
considered contagious and the home isolation ends.

When does the isolation end for a person with COVID-19

who experienced moderate to severe symptoms?

Getting two consecutive negative If the patient is clinically stable

results at least 24 hours apart or without any symptoms, then he is
completing 10 days of isolation with no longer considered contagious
no symptoms in the last 3 days of and the isolation ends
isolation
 FAQs

When is COVID-19 considered

contagious?

Scientific studies have shown that COVID-19 is most

contagious to others in the first 10 days of the infection
and the risk rapidly declines by the end of the first 7 to 10
days of the infection.
Therefore it is important to remain in isolation for 10 days
to avoid spreading the infection and to ensure the health
and safety of others.
Scientific studies have also shown that the virus was
not found to be active or infectious, after the 10 days of
infection, even if the person tested positive in a PCR test.
 FAQs

Does the patient have to have

a negative PCR test to end
their isolation?
A negative PCR test is not required to end isolation.
The criteria for ending isolation is completing 10 days
of isolation with improved symptoms and no fever for at
least 3 days with no fever reduction medications.

Can I practice my normal life

after leaving the isolation with
a positive examination result
or will I be fined?

It is advised to continue working remotely until you

receive a negative PCR result.
 FAQs

How long does it take to

recover?
The COVID-19 virus is a new strain of coronavirus
and its nature may evolve. Scientific evidence has
found that the recovery period depends on the
person’s immunity and level of fitness. For mild
and asymptotic cases, a 10-day isolation period is
the maximum period. For cases with symptoms,
the recovery period depends on the severity of
the observed symptoms and any consequential
complications, of the disease during treatment.

10
days
 FAQs

Who is eligible for home

isolation?
Confirmed COVID-19 patients who are
asymptomatic or have mild symptoms and can
fulfil the home isolation criteria.

What are the conditions

and requirements for home
isolation?
Confirmed COVID-19 patients who are
asymptomatic or have mild symptoms and can
fulfil the home isolation criteria.
Conditions
Availability of a separate room with a private
bathroom.

Patient’s health is stable.

Availability of means of communicationsuch

as an active phone number.

Patient is adhering to the recommended

precautionary measures.

Availability of a first-aid kit that includes a

thermometer.
 Home
Isolation
People at high-risk from COVID-19,
include:

People above 60 years

People with health issues such as:

Diabetes mellitus

Serious heart conditions such as ischemic heart

disease

Uncontrolled hypertension
Chronic lung/respiratory disease including
moderate to severe asthma
Chronic kidney disease and renal failure
Chronic liver disease
Cancer patients who are still undergoing treatment
Patients who use biologics or
immunosuppressive-medications
Patients with a history of transplant
People of any age with severe obesity (body mass
index [BMI] > 40) or people with certain underlying
medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled
Any health condition that may compromise
immunity

People of Determination

People staying at long-

term care centers
 Home
Isolation
Home isolation instructions sheet for confirmed case of COVID-19

Stay at home for 10 days in an

isolated well ventilated single
room with a window and bathroom
if possible and keep the door
closed.

Go home immediately either

by the ambulance or by your
personal car and do not use
public transportation (buses,
taxis, trains).

Get a non-perishable food stock for minimum two

Any person healthcare weeks in the store. The Department of Health Abu
provider/site that does not Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Center ensure providing you
follow this will be liable as per with the main meals, however you can store long-
the UAE laws and regulations term items, such as powdered milk, canned , frozen
of communicable diseases. vegetables and sterilizers.

Maintain hand hygiene and Self-monitor your symptoms on Ensure you have adequate
personal hygiene a daily bases such as checking quantities of disposable
your temperature and recording tissues, napkins and gloves.
any changes (refer to symptom
checker list).
 Home
Isolation

Make sure you have enough Make sure you have enough Stay connected with your
prescription drugs that need prescription drugs that need family and friends through
to last two weeks. to last two weeks. phone, social media platforms
for support.

Your clothes, bed sheets, bath towels can be cleaned with regular
laundry soap, water or washing machine at a temperature of 60-90 ° C
with common household cleaners and dry them well. If a family member
is doing this he/she must wear gloves and mask handling the clothes
before cleaning and discard them appropriately.

Set a daily routine to If you have family or friends Maintain a healthy lifestyle;
get through the day and supporting you, agree to healthy nutrition, stay
achieve some errands (see place groceries or other active, hydrated and get
suggested activities list). supplies at your front door. enough sleep.

If you are sharing any facilities in the house, use a mask (discard
2M appropriately), maintain physical distance of 2 meter and preferably
use it last and ensure proper disinfection and thorough cleaning after
use.

Dispose your trash in a sealed trash bins and/or bags for proper
disposal.
How to Make Strong (0.5%) Chlorine Solution from 70% Chlorine
Powder:

03
Use strong (0.5%) chlorine solution to Throw away any leftover solution from
clean and disinfect surfaces, objects, the day before.
and body fluid spills.

02
Make new strong (0.5%) chlorine Make sure you are
solution every day. wearing extended PPE.

Add 10 tablespoons
of HTH (70% chlorine) Stir well for 10 seconds,
to 20 liters of water or until the HTH has
in a bucket. dissolved.
 Wait 30 minutes Label bucket “Strong
before use. (0.5%) Chlorine Solution
- Cleaning.”

Store in shade.
Do not store in
Cover bucket with lid. direct sunlight.

07

Warning

Do NOT drink chlorine water.

Do NOT put chlorine water in mouth or eyes.

 FAQs

What should the patient do while in home isolation?

Isolate from other people in the house for the entire 10 days of isolation even if you
10 are healthy or showing no symptoms.
days

Alhosn

Download and register in Alhosn app and follow the required steps.

Monitor your symptoms and measure your temperature regularly.

The patient should read all the guidelines provided.

laundry services are provided to patients enrolled in the home isolation program. If the
patient wants to wash his clothes at home, it is preferable for the patient to wash his
clothes himself. If this is not possible, a person should use a separate washing machine
and bags in the isolation room and collect all contaminated items in a separate waste
bag.

Wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
 FAQs

What is required from the family of the patient during

home isolation?

Ensure that those who carry out household chores follow all precautionary measures
when dealing with waste or washing.

Avoid contact with the patient in any way.

Go to the designated centers to conduct a PCR test and take the necessary action.

Go to the designated centers to conduct a PCR test and take the necessary action.

Hands should be washed often and thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of
20 seconds especially before and after preparing food, after using the toilet, whenever
you remove your gloves and face mask or if your hands are dirty. It’s preferable to dry
your hands with a paper towel.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

The number of caregivers should be limited for patients who require assistance. Ideally,
the person who is assigned should be in good health and should have no underlying
chronic conditions.
 FAQs

What is required from the family of the patient during

home isolation?

If there is direct contact with a confirmed case and no results have been issued
confirming the transmission of infection yet, the contact must go to the designated
centers to complete the home quarantine procedures as soon as possible to avoid legal
accountability.

Correctly discard disposable surgical masks and disposable gloves after every use.

Surfaces in shared areas such as door handles, taps and benches should be thoroughly
cleaned and sanitized. Ensure that shared spaces are well-ventilated.

Wash laundry thoroughly and ensure that the clothes of the confirmed case are
collected in a separate basket. It is important that the clothes are washed and hung
for exposure to the sun separately from the rest of the household members’ clothes.

A good practice is for meals to be provided to the patient by leaving them at the doorstep
of the patient’s room using disposable plates and utensils, without any contact with
the household members.

All household members should stay home and they should not allow any visitors.
 Boost
your immunity

During isolation period, you are confined and naturally doing less of your usual daily activities. Below
is advice to help you and your family to stay healthy at home during this period of confinement.

Get Enough Sleep

Research has demonstrated, that sleep deprivation affects the immune response which acts
immediately to prevent the spread of an infection. Try to get a restful 7 – 8 hours of restful
sleep every night. Below are some strategies for a good night sleep:
• Get up at the same time every day
• Limit your caffeine consumption after 2 p.m.
• Exercise at least 4 hours before bedtime
• Stop your electronic activities 1 – 2 hours before your bedtime
• Go to bed when you’re ready to sleep
• Set an achievable bedtime

Maintain Healthy Eating Habits

Eating healthy is one of the very important elements to improve our body’s ability to prevent, fight and recover
from infections.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), no foods or dietary supplements can prevent or cure
COVID-19 infection, healthy diets are important for supporting immune systems. Good nutrition can also
reduce the likelihood of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some
types of cancer.

1. Eat a variety of food, including 4. Drink enough water, stay

fruits and vegetables hy d rat e d

2. Cut back on salt and sugar 5. Avoid hazardous and harmful

alcohol use

3. Eat moderate amounts of fats 5. Avoid hazardous and harmful

and oils alcohol use
 Boost
your immunity

Maintain Physical Activities

It’s very important for people of all ages and abilities to be as active as possible, taking a short
break from sitting, by doing 3-4 minutes of light intensity physical movement, such as walking or
stretching, will help ease your muscles and improve blood circulation and muscle activity.
Regular physical activity benefits both the body and mind. It can reduce high blood pressure, help
manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers
- all conditions that can aggravate COVID-19.
The WHO recommends adults to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity
throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity throughout
the week. For additional health benefits, adults should increase their moderate-intensity physical
activity to 300 minutes per week, or equivalent.

Maintain Mental Wellbeing

There are lots of things that we can do to look after our own mental wellbeing and to help others who may
need some extra support and care.
• Keep informed Listen to advice and recommendations from trusted national and local authorities.
• Have a routine Keep up with daily routines as far as possible, or make new ones.
• Minimize newsfeeds Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if
needed.
• Social contact is important If your movements are restricted, keep in regular contact with people close
to you by telephone and online channels.
• Alcohol and drug use Limit the amount of alcohol you drink or don’t drink alcohol at all. Avoid using
alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom and social isolation.
• Screen time and Video games. Be aware of how much time you spend in front of a screen every day.
Make sure that you take regular breaks from on-screen activities.
• Social media. Use your social media accounts to promote positive and hopeful stories. Correct
misinformation wherever you see it.
• Help others. If you are able to, offer support to people in your community who may need it, such as
helping them with food shopping.
• Support health workers. Take opportunities online or through your community to thank your country’s
health-care workers and all those working to respond to COVID-19.
 Boost
your immunity

Quit Tobacco
Smokers are more vulnerable to Covid-19 as their fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) are often in
contact their lips, thereby increasing the possibility of transmission of virus from hand to mouth. If a smoker
get coronavirus, he/she is at a greater risk of deterioration because their lung function is impaired. Quit today
to reduce these risks and start living a healthier life.

Quick tips to curb your cravings:

1. Delay: Delay as long as you can; distract yourself during this time and the urge will
pass.
2. Practice deep breathing: Take deep breaths to calm yourself down until the urge
passes.
3. Drink water: Keep your hands and mouth busy by drinking water instead of picking
up a cigarette; Sip slowly and the urge will pass.
4. Do something else to distract yourself: Take a shower, read a book, go for a walk or
listen to music!

Supplements to boost your immunity

Research has shown that supplementing with certain vitamins and minerals can improve immune response
and potentially protect against illness. At times of COVID-19, we explored some of the most supplements that
studies have indicated helpful again respiratory illnesses.
Vitamin D appears capable of inhibiting pulmonary inflammatory responses while enhancing innate defense
mechanisms against respiratory pathogens. While studies demonstrated that vitamin C plays a role in
preventing, shortening, and alleviating diverse infections including respiratory infections and pneumonia.
Studies has also shown that Zinc supplementation reduced the number of days of Acute Lower Respiratory
Tract Infection, shortened the recovery time as well as the duration of stay in hospital.
Note; some supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Some
may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions. Discuss with your healthcare provider before
starting any supplements.
• Vitamin D 1,000 - 4,000 IU per day
• Vitamin C 1,000 – 2,000 mg per day
• Zinc 40 mg per day
 Suggested
Activities List
Read a book
If you do not have a book, visit the following link for the Books: Friends in Discoverty
initiative to download the electronic version of any of the available books.
https://www.adphc.gov.ae/en/COVID-19/Awareness-Publications
If you don’t have a book you may ask a friend/family member to drop you some books
at your door. Alternatively, you may order a book online or read online books.

Write your diaries

Use your own words to explain this journey. Your thoughts, experiences, changes you
may notice on yourself and your emotions. Who knows, you could publish it one day.

Workout
Yoga, stretch or simply walk back and forth in the room. There are plenty of simple
exercise routine online. Social media platforms also have lots of home workout routines
that are live and engaging.

Follow the reliable sources of information

On the news, social media platforms to stay updated about the what is happening in
the world.

Learn a new skill

practice public speaking, presentation skills or any other competency that you want
to develop.

Make a short video

Make a short video about your own experience and share it with family and/or friends.
 Suggested
Activities List
Attend online training courses
try: https://www.coursera.org/promo/wellness-free-courses, https://www.edx.org/ or
any other free online courses platform.

Play some old school games

complete a puzzle, scrabble, sudoku or others.

Take a google virtual tour

Take a google virtual tour in one of the National museums such as the National Gallery
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/virtual-tours or the grand mosque at
https://www.p4panorama.com/panos/Sheikh-Zayed-Grand-Mosque-AbuDhabi-UAE-
360-degree-virtual-reality-tour/ or any other online tours to historical places.

Color, doodle or even draw

Get those pencils and coloring pens and explore your abilities. You can ask family or
friends to print for you some mandalas https://www.free-mandalas.net/.

Share your activities with us

Add your activities and share it with us in Abu Dhabi Public Health Center @adphc_ae
Instagram account and your friends.
 Contact
Numbers
Ministry of Health & Prevention

Estijaba - Department of Health - Abu Dhabi

Dubai Health Authority

Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre

The operations centre

Alhosn App queries

Home isolation and quarantine queries