Health

WHO Still Recommends 14-Day Quarantine For COVID-19 Patients

GENEVA, Jan 5  — Although most people recover from COVID-19 within five to seven days of the onset of symptoms, the World Health Organisation (WHO) still recommends a 14-day quarantine, Xinhua  quoted an official from the organisation telling a press briefing on Tuesday.

However, said Abdi Mahamud from WHO’s COVID-19 Incident Management Support Team, states must make decisions about the duration of quarantine based on their individual situations.

In countries with low infections, a longer quarantine time could help keep case numbers as low as possible, he explained. In places with runaway cases, however, shorter quarantines may be justified in order to keep countries running, he added.

The WHO official told journalists that it was possible to be infected by both influenza and COVID-19. However, since the two are separate viruses that attack the body in different ways, there is “little risk” of them combining into a new virus.

According to the WHO, as of Dec 29, 2021, some 128 countries had reported cases of the Omicron variant. In South Africa, which had seen a sharp increase in cases followed by a relatively rapid drop-off, hospitalisation and death rates have remained low.

However, the situation will not be the same in other countries, Mahamud said.

“While the latest studies all point to the fact that the Omicron variant affects the upper respiratory system rather than the lungs, which is good news, high-risk individuals and the unvaccinated could still get gravely ill from that variant,” he added.

Mahamud said that the Omicron variant could overtake other strains in a matter of weeks, especially in areas with a large number of susceptible people – primarily those who are unvaccinated.

In Denmark, he said, it had taken two weeks for case numbers to double with the Alpha variant, whereas with the Omicron variant, it had taken just two days.

“The world has never seen such a transmissible virus,” he said.

The WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunisation is set to meet on Jan 19 to review the situation. Topics on the agenda for discussion include the timing of boosters, the mixing of vaccines and the composition of future vaccines.

Sources: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Zizan Razak Is Now G-SHOCK Malaysia’s First-Ever Brand Ambassador And It Just Makes Sense

From comedy king to watch icon, Zizan Razak has just landed a major new role… Read More

3 days ago

Honouring the Everyday Athlete: ASICS Shares Stories at the Ladies Pickleball Special

On 24 May, ASICS Malaysia’s Ladies Pickleball Special 2025 saw a celebration of strength, laughter… Read More

3 days ago

Pavilion Bukit Jalil Hosts “All Play All Day” to Mark Mattel’s 80th Anniversary

This school holiday, Pavilion Bukit Jalil is turning up the fun with Mattel’s 80th anniversary… Read More

3 days ago

Next-Level Comfort: ASICS Unveils GEL-KAYANO™ 32

Runners and sneakerheads, brace yourself.  ASICS just unleashed the latest version of its cult-fav stability… Read More

3 days ago

Marks & Spencer Unwraps Summer Surprise: Enjoy Up to 25% Off In-Store!

Get ready for a season of style, savings, and surprises! Marks & Spencer (M&S) has… Read More

4 days ago

MUJI Unveils New Sensitive Skincare & Fermented Series for Gentle, Nourishing Care

MUJI introduces its latest innovation in skincare, the Sensitive Skincare & Fermented Series, carefully crafted… Read More

4 days ago

This website uses cookies.