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MANILA, Philippines — Individuals stricken with COVID-19 do not need to show a negative test result and medical clearance to return to work or school so long as they have observed the isolation period and no longer show symptoms.
The Department of Health (DOH) shortened the isolation period for COVID-19 patients under the new protocols issued after the lifting of the state of public health emergency last July 21.
Asymptomatic COVID-positive individuals can end isolation after five days, while mildly ill COVID-19 patients or individuals with acute respiratory symptoms can end isolation after five days or if fever-free for at least 24 hours with improved respiratory symptoms, whichever is earlier.
Such patients may even shorten their isolation upon doctor’s advice, the DOH said.
Previously, the DOH required asymptomatic and mildly ill COVID-19 patients to isolate for seven days and until they are fever-free if vaccinated, and for 10 days and until they are fever-free if they are unvaccinated.
“The DOH reiterates that neither repeat testing (showing a negative COVID-19 test) nor requiring medical certificates are required for resumption of work or entrance to school,” the DOH said under Department Circular 324 dated July 23.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 patients who showed moderate to severe symptoms as well as immunocompromised COVID-19 patients should still undergo at least 10 days of isolation from onset of symptoms or be admitted in a hospital upon advice of the doctor.
Severely ill and immunocompromised COVID-19 patients will discontinue isolation upon doctor’s advice, according to the DOH.