The Directorate-General of Health of Portugal (DGS) confirmed on Thursday that the isolation period for those infected with covid-19 has changed from seven to five days. The intention to reduce the isolation period was announced a week ago by the Minister of the Presidency Mariana Vieira da Silva but was only confirmed yesterday.
This means that those with covid-19 that are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms can leave isolation after five days if they do not have a fever and their symptoms have improved.
The DGS says that “although the contagiousness reduces after the fifth day, the virus can still be transmitted”. Therefore, the DGS strongly recommends wearing a mask at all times for at least five more after leaving isolation.
However, those hospitalized or residents in elderly residences must isolate for at least seven days, even if they have no symptoms.
According to an update by DGS to norm 004/2020, here are the full Covid-19 isolation updates:
- People with asymptomatic infection or mild illness: 5 days
- People with asymptomatic infection or mild illness, hospitalize or in an elderly residence: 7 days
- People with moderate illness: 10 days
- People with serious illness: 20 days or 10 days with a negative rapid antigen test
- People with serious immunosuppression: case by case basis decided by medical professionals