The Central Epidemic Command Center has announced guidelines for releasing recovered COVID-19 patients from quarantine. Deputy Interior Minister Chen Tsung-yen says the center and local governments agree on the protocol.
Under the guidelines, patients can be released from quarantine ten days after developing symptoms or being confirmed to have COVID-19, on the condition that their Ct values are at or above 30. Ct value is an indicator of viral load, which is determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The higher a person’s Ct value, the lower their viral load.
COVID-19 patients who fulfill the above conditions can be released from quarantine, but authorities ask that they monitor their health for seven days. COVID-19 patients who pass the 10-day mark but have Ct values under 30 will be sent to a group quarantine center.
These standards are part of an effort to increase hospital bed turnover rate. The Central Epidemic Command Center says it will continue to coordinate with local governments to ensure release procedures are consistent.