Coronavirus close contact: What you need to know

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Mar 12, 2020 05:24 PM IST

The Ministry of Health and Family Affairs in its release on coronavirus guidelines has defined what being in “contact” with a coronavirus infected person means.

One of the primary factors to determine a coronavirus suspect is the individual’s travel history to any of the virus-affected hotspots or having close contact with a Covid-19 patient. But it isn’t clear what qualifies as “close contact” in context of coronavirus.

As stated by the health ministry, a “contact” in context of COVID-19 is anyone living in the same household as the infected.(PTI)
As stated by the health ministry, a “contact” in context of COVID-19 is anyone living in the same household as the infected.(PTI)

The Ministry of Health and Family Affairs in its release on coronavirus guidelines has defined what being in “contact” with a coronavirus person means.

“A contact is defined as a healthy person that has been in such association with an infected person or a contaminated environment as to have exposed and is therefore at a higher risk of developing the disease,” the release stated.

As stated by the health ministry, a “contact” in context of COVID-19 is:

- A person living in the same household as a coronaviorus infected individual

- An individual having had direct physical contact with a patient of coronavirus

- Someone having had direct physical contact with the patient’s infectious secretions without recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) or with a possible breach of PPE

- A person who was in a closed environment or had face-to-face contact with an infected person at a distance of within or less than a metre including air travel.

Also read: Government guidelines on home quarantine for coronavirus

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases across India, including foreign nationals, has gone up to 73. Out of these 73 people, 56 are Indian citizens. With 17 coronavirus positive cases, the maximum number of cases in the country has been reported from Kerala.

Maharashtra reported 11 cases while in Uttar Pradesh there were 10 positive cases including a foreigner, according to the latest data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Senior health ministry officials have said that it will take one-and-a-half years to two years to develop a vaccine for coronavirus. The officials also said that the government has around one lakh testing kits available.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
×
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
My Offers
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Register Free and get Exciting Deals