How to do home medical observation for close contacts of cases

Close contacts of a confirmed case of pneumonia infected by the new coronavirus should take medical observation for 14 days from the last day of contact with the patient. During the observation period at home, it is necessary to keep in touch with the medical observation personnel, and to understand the key points of disease observation and nursing, and master the measures of hand washing, ventilation, protection and disinfection for family prevention. The specific recommendations are as follows:

(1) Place close contacts in a well-ventilated single room and refuse all visits.

(2) Restrict the activities of close contacts and minimize the activities of close contacts and family members in public areas. Ensure that common areas (kitchen, bathroom, etc.) are well ventilated (keep windows open).

(3) Family members should live in different rooms. If conditions do not permit, keep at least 1 meter away from close contacts. Breastfeeding mothers can continue to breastfeed their babies.

(4) Other family members should wear masks when entering the living spaces of close contacts. The masks should be close to the face. Do not touch or adjust the masks in the living space. The mask has become wet and dirty due to secretions and must be replaced immediately. After removing and discarding the mask, wash your hands.

(5) After having any direct contact with close contacts, or leaving the living space of close contacts, hands should be cleaned. Clean your hands when preparing food, and after going to the toilet. If your hands are not very dirty, you can clean them with alcohol-free soap. If your hands are dirty, wash them with hand sanitizer and running water (pay attention to the safe use of alcohol to avoid accidental swallowing or fire).

(6) When washing hands with hand sanitizer and running water, it is best to use disposable paper towels. If not, wipe it with a clean towel, which needs to be replaced when it gets wet.

(7) The material used to cover the mouth and nose when accidentally coughing or sneezing can be discarded directly, or cleaned properly after use (such as washing with ordinary soap/detergent and water).

(8) Families should minimize contact with close contacts and their supplies. For example, avoid sharing toothbrushes, cigarettes, tableware, meals, drinks, towels, bath towels, bed sheets, etc. Tableware should be washed with detergent and water after use.

(9) It is recommended to use chlorine-containing disinfectants and peracetic acid disinfectants to clean and disinfect items frequently touched by family members, such as bedside tables, bed frames and other bedroom furniture. Clean and disinfect bathroom and toilet surfaces at least once a day.

(10) Use ordinary laundry soap and clean water to wash the clothes, sheets, bath towels, towels, etc. of close contacts, or use a washing machine to wash with 60-90℃ water and ordinary household laundry detergent, and then completely dry the above items. Put the bedding used by close contacts into the laundry bag. Don't shake clothes, avoid direct contact with skin and your own clothes.

(11) Wear masks, disposable gloves and protective clothing (such as plastic aprons) before cleaning and touching the surfaces, clothing or bedding contaminated by human secretions from close contacts. Clean and disinfect your hands before putting on gloves and after taking them off.

(12) If a close contact of the confirmed case has suspicious symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, chest tightness, dyspnea, mild anorexia, fatigue, poor spirits, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache, palpitation, conjunctivitis, If you have mild sore limbs or lower back muscles, you should seek medical attention immediately. Specific guidance recommendations are as follows:

1) On the way to the hospital, patients should wear a medical surgical mask or N95 mask.

2) If possible, avoid taking public transportation to the hospital and open the windows on the road.

3) Wear a mask at all times and maintain hand hygiene at all times. When on the road and in the hospital, stay away from other people as much as possible (at least 1 meter).

4) If transportation is contaminated on the way, it is recommended to use chlorine-containing disinfectant or peracetic acid disinfectant to disinfect all surfaces contaminated by respiratory secretions or body fluids.