In a significant change to the Ministry of Health’s protocols for management of the COVID-19 virus, positive patients with mild symptoms or those who are asymptomatic will now be allowed to self quarantine at home. 

This was revealed by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roshan Parasram, during Wednesday’s COVID-19 media briefing.

The patients will, however, be monitored twice daily so health officials can be aware of any worsening conditions which may require them to be hospitalized. 

The patients will be under a legally enforced quarantine order, for which they can be fined for breaching.

“So everyone that is positive, through the CMOH officers, that list of names will be sent to the TTTPS so they can monitor from their end, in terms of breaches of your quarantine,” Dr. Parasram said.

The CMO said while the Ministry is depending on moral responsibility in this “elevated response”, consideration will be given, if necessary,  increase the existing $6,000 fine for breaching the order, to ensure compliance.

Meanwhile, 264 additional beds will be made available for COVID-19 patients in step-down facilities over the next three to five days. Principal Medical Officer, Dr. Maryam Richards, says this will add to the 1,171 beds currently available in the parallel health system.