How to Self-Quarantine – A Ghana Health Service guide

• Posted on March 20, 2020March 20, 2020
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

If you are under self-quarantine, you are advised to observe the following prevention and control measures:

1. Stay in an airy room away from other people such as family members preferably with separate bathroom and toilet facilities. If you share the same bathroom and toilet facilities, ensure you disinfect it after use using regular household disinfectant or soap and water.
2. If you are working, stay at home for the entire duration of the quarantine (14 days from last contact with the confirmed case).
3. Ensure that you have adequate food, water, hygiene provisions (toiletries, handwashing facilities, hand sanitizers, etc.) and appropriate medical treatment for existing medical conditions while in self-quarantine.
4. Ensure that you have the necessary communication facilities e.g. mobile telephone to communicate with family members and other people while in quarantine.
5. Always wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer
6. Cover your nose and mouth with a single use tissue when coughing and sneezing. Throw away used tissue immediately into a dustbin and wash your hands immediately with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
7. Stay away from pets, as there is a chance that humans can pass the disease to them
8. Avoid sharing toothbrushes, utensils, dishes, drinks, towels, clothes or bed linen with anybody in your home.
9. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, bedside tables, bedframes, and other bedroom furniture daily with regular household disinfectant
10. Clean and disinfect bathroom and toilet surfaces at least once a day with regular household disinfectant
11. If you develop symptoms of acute respiratory infection, including fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing, please call for immediate help on the following telephone numbers: 050 949 7700, 055 843 9868

What should I do to keep my spirit up while in self-quarantine?

• Being under quarantine can be frightening. The following should be done to reduce anxiety:
• Talk to the other members of the family about the COVID-19. Understanding the disease will reduce anxiety.
• Reassure young children using age-appropriate language.
• Think about how you have coped with difficult situations in the past and reassure yourself that you will cope with this situation too. Remember that quarantine won’t last for long.
• Keep in touch with family members and friends via telephone, email or social media.
• Stock plenty of materials to read to keep your mind occupied.
• Exercise regularly from your quarantine area.
• Ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep hydrated.
• Eat all your meals in a timely manner.

What should I do to keep my spirit up while in self-quarantine?

• Being under quarantine can be frightening. The following should be done to reduce anxiety:
• Talk to the other members of the family about the COVID-19. Understanding the disease will reduce anxiety.
• Reassure young children using age-appropriate language.
• Think about how you have coped with difficult situations in the past and reassure yourself that you will cope with this situation too. Remember that quarantine won’t last for long.
• Keep in touch with family members and friends via telephone, email or social media.
• Stock plenty of materials to read to keep your mind occupied.
• Exercise regularly from your quarantine area.
• Ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep hydrated.
• Eat all your meals in a timely manner.

What happens when I complete the assigned days of self-quarantine?

• If you complete the assigned days of self-quarantine without any symptoms, the surveillance team/health authorities will formally discharge you from follow up and you will be free to go about your usual activities.
• A medical certificate of completion of self-quarantine will be issued to you.

What happens if I develop symptoms during the 14 days of self-quarantine?

• If at any time during your 14 days of self-quarantine, you develop symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing), you should seek medical attention immediately by calling your designated surveillance officer. For any other information call any of the following GHS hotlines: 050 949 7700, 055 843 9868