The Department of Health (DOH) has released its updated guidelines, cutting short the isolation and quarantine period of fully vaccinated individuals with Covid-19 and their close contacts.

The isolation period for Covid-19 cases who are fully vaccinated with no or mild symptoms has been reduced to seven days from 10 days under the revised guidelines.

Quarantine period for fully vaccinated close contacts with no or mild symptoms has been reduced to five days from seven days.

Also, RT-PCR testing for close contacts of confirmed cases who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms is now optional.

However, the 10-day isolation period for the partially vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals including healthcare workers will still be observed.

On Wednesday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the updates were made to address the confusion on the ground brought about by the difference in guidelines for isolation or quarantine of travelers, the general public, and healthcare workers.

She noted that prolonged quarantine and isolation duration has been causing strain to the healthcare system and the economy.

The country’s health experts believe that the benefits of shortening quarantine outweigh the risks specifically for Omicron variant, she added.

For the RT-PCR testing, the DOH is recommending it only to the healthcare workers, senior citizens, and individuals with comorbidities. (PNA)