Fully vaccinated patients can go free after recovery: ministry

Fully vaccinated patients can go free after recovery: ministry

Fully vaccinated Covid-19 patients who have been treated at home and test negative are allowed to return to daily activities, while those without the primary course of jabs are required to complete an additional seven days of quarantine, the Ministry of Health has announced.

Health minister Mam Bun Heng made the remarks while issuing a reminder of the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the management, care and treatment of Covid-19 at home on February 13.

He said that those who tested positive should report the result to their local authorities. They would be required to isolate in a clean and well ventilated location and must maintain good personal hygiene. They should practice the three dos and 3 don’ts during treatment and recovery, to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms or those who are asymptomatic should take a rapid test on day 7 if they have had no symptoms for the three previous days,” he added.

He said that if the test returned a positive result, they must continue to isolate, and take a second rapid test within 48 hours. They should continue testing regularly until a negative result is obtained.

The ministry said that those who are positive for Covid-19 and are allowed to stay at home should take the necessary symptomatic medication and/or antiviral drugs such as Molnupiravir. They should take four tablets (200mg per tablet) every 12 hours for five consecutive days. The course should be begun as soon as possible following a positive test result, it added.

The drug was not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers or those aged below 18 years. Patients should also drink 2-3 litres of water per day, it advised.

Bun Heng also instructed all local authorities to continue monitoring the implementation all Covid-19 procedures.

Cambodia is currently reporting a surge in cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant. The new strain has dominated the Alpha and Delta variants which preceded it, due to its highly transmissible nature. Despite typically causing milder symptoms than previous variants, if the spread is allowed to continue unchecked, it could overwhelm the health sector.

Ministry spokeswoman Or Vandine said on February 13 that the spread and mutation of Covid-19 remained a concern for all countries around the world.

She said that as of February 12, nearly 400 million people had been infected globally with Covid-19 and more than five million have died of the disease. Cambodia has recorded 123,042 cases and 3,015 deaths.

“Everyone must continue to protect themselves and their loved ones against this dangerous virus. We must not overlook the possibility of a serious outbreak of the Omicron variant. Although it is mild, it is still responsible for many deaths around the world,” she added.

As of February 12, Cambodia has vaccinated nearly 90 per cent of its estimated population of 16 million. So far, nearly six million people have received a third dose and more than 600,000 people have received their fourth. Phnom Penh Post