INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR HOME CARE OF CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES

Guidelines outline home-based care for confirmed mild COVID-19 cases to reduce hospital strain while ensuring safety. They target patients in home isolation, their household members, and healthcare workers for remote monitoring and prevention measures. This protects public health by minimizing transmission and preserving hospital resources.

What Is This Policy?

Clinical and practical guidelines for the home-based care of confirmed COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, reducing the burden on hospital facilities while ensuring patient safety and preventing household transmission.

Who Does It Target?

Confirmed mild COVID-19 cases approved for home isolation Household members and caregivers of home-isolated patients Healthcare workers providing remote monitoring support State COVID-19 response teams

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Safely manage mild COVID-19 cases at home to reduce hospital admissions, protect healthcare system capacity for severe cases, and prevent household transmission.

Key Features

Eligibility Criteria: Defines the clinical criteria for home care suitability, excluding elderly patients, those with comorbidities, or those without adequate home conditions. Isolation Protocols: Provides detailed instructions on room designation, ventilation, hygiene, and physical separation within the household. Symptom Monitoring: Sets out warning signs that should trigger immediate escalation to hospital care. Caregiver Protection: Prescribes PPE requirements and hygiene practices for household caregivers.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic; remains as reference guidance Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: Mild COVID-19 patients and their households Funding: Federal Ministry of Health

How to Access

Medical clearance from a healthcare provider that home care is appropriate Adequate home conditions including a separate room and toilet Regular check-in with a healthcare provider during isolation Application method: Request assessment from the NCDC helpline or a designated COVID-19 treatment facility.

Important Terms

Home care is only appropriate for mild cases Breathlessness, chest pain, or confusion require immediate hospital attendance Household contacts must also self-monitor and observe hygiene measures

Official Resources

Website: https://www.ncdc.gov.ng Contact: Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) - Toll free: 0800-970000-10

Legal Framework

Issued under the National Health Act 2014 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Establishment Act 2018. Draws on WHO COVID-19 home care guidelines, the Quarantine Act Cap Q2 LFN 2004, the Emergency Economic Stabilisation Act 2020, and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 directives.