FULLY vaccinated Covid-19 patients without severe symptoms may be allowed to isolate at home starting Aug 30 as Singapore takes steps to living with the endemic disease.

These patients will spend the first few days in a medical facility before moving to home isolation. Patients will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they have mild or no symptoms, thus requiring minimal supportive care.

They also cannot belong to any vulnerable group which has an increased risk of a more severe infection. This includes those that are 60 years or older, immunocompromised, have concurrent severe chronic medical conditions, or who are pregnant, said Kenneth Mak, the director of medical services at the Ministry of Health. 

The person must self-isolate in a room with an en-suite bathroom, or must stay alone at home so that others are not exposed to infection by sharing common facilities at home and there is then no risk of spreading to neighbours, said Associate Professor Mak.

The pilot will be kickstarted for patients whose household members are fully vaccinated. These household members must not belong to any vulnerable groups.

“This is not a new concept. Countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK have done so quite successfully,” said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who co-chairs the Covid-19 multi-ministry taskforce.

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Singapore had previously been admitting all cases diagnosed with Covid-19 to either acute hospitals or community care facilities. 

These individuals were then discharged back into the community from isolation if they were deemed to be making a good recovery and no longer infectious, noted Assoc Prof Mak. “Our high vaccination rates has allowed us to review our treatment and care model,” he said. 

During home isolation, the patients and household members are required to remain in their places of residence. This will be tracked through electronic monitoring as well as phone calls.

The patients will be monitored for their health and safety and will be provided access to 24/7 telemedicine services. 

They will also be subject to a Polymerase Chain Reaction swab on the ninth day of illness. If their swab result is negative or if they carry a very low viral load, they may be discharged from isolation.

All household members will be placed on a daily Antigen Rapid Test testing regimen for early detection of potential infection.

“If we want to live with Covid-19 as an endemic disease, this is a crucial step to take,” said Mr Ong. “It will further free up hospital capacity, enable the healthcare system to revert to peacetime operations, and attend to the healthcare needs of our population.”

Read more:

• Singapore to recognise approved overseas vaccinations for all travellers; weighs booster shots

• Singapore to start vaccinated travel lanes with Germany and Brunei from Sept 8