How long should a person in contact with the Israeli Corona patient stay in solitary confinement? • Does anyone who comes from Italy have to go into isolation? • What do single parents do that are concerned about being infected? • And, how to do insulation at home • Questions and Answers

• Return to Israel with Corona masks // Photo: Yossi Seliger

After being informed earlier on Friday about another Corona patient in Israel - the wife of the man who returned from Italy had the virus and was hospitalized in Sheba Hospital. The woman was diagnosed today with a positive result for Corona and will be taken to isolation. It is a mild condition, but the list of places where the Corona patient has stayed in the past week has been a concern for many, as he has spent many hours in many people.

It seems that at least hundreds more people are now at risk of infection. Of course, the worrying situation raises a lot of questions about the right way to cope, the most important of which are: What are the criteria that should worry us and make us notify the Ministry of Health of the concern we have been infected with? And as a result: who should enter the isolation, what is forbidden and what is allowed to do during the isolation in terms of contact with people, and whether we are entitled to receive compensation on these days as sickness or vacation days.

First Corona patient in Israel, a man who returned from Italy // Photo: Paz Barr

So who should actually go into isolation?

Return from the Far East: from China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Japan, or South Korea? The State of Israel has issued a special order requiring you to enter into self-isolation at the 14-day home from your departure from these states. The decision on home insulation for returnees is valid for those who landed in Israel from these countries as of February 16, 2020 at 12:00 noon. The isolation does not apply to those who were in these places during a continuation flight (Connection).

In addition, if you have been in contact with a person (proven) in Corona - these instructions apply to you as well. When touched, close contact is considered a stay of less than two meters for at least 15 minutes with a patient.

Is the isolation directive valid for those who have returned from all areas of Italy?

Yes. There is no difference between returning from northern Italy and the rest of the country when it comes to home insulation guidance. The duty is imposed on everyone except those who were only in connection.

Dr. Udi Cleaner

Photo: Shalom Rachmanov

I have an important conference in a country that has no warning, what should I do?

The public's recommendation is to avoid unnecessary travel abroad and especially to international conferences, due to the fear of direct contact with patients coming from all countries of the world.

I was on a trip in a country that had a warning and went on to another country without a warning, what about my isolation days?

The isolation is a full 14 days from leaving the country that is on the list. For example, if you left the country with a seven-day warning - then you are required to enter the country for a seven-day isolation.

How many people come from Italy to Israel every day?

Hundreds of people come to Italy every day from routine routines. This number is expected to decline significantly as a result of the evolving situation.

How do you practice insulation at home?

Stay in a separate room from the rest of the family, which is well ventilated with a closed door. Exiting the room will only be necessary, and for as short a time as possible, while covering the mouth and nose with a nasal mask or cloth. If there are several isolates in the same house, they can stay together in the same room.

If all household members are required for insulation, there are no special restrictions within the home. You should also wash hands with soap and water or disinfect them with disinfectant before and after food preparation, before eating, and before and after using the toilet. It is best to use disposable papers to dry your hands. Whenever possible, separate services for isolators should be used. It is very important to keep your mouth and nose covered when sneezing or coughing, preferably into a disposable handkerchief or flexing elbow. Immediately afterwards, wash hands with soap and water or disinfect them with alcohol.

What are the guidelines for single parents who should be in solitary confinement?

The basic guideline is to stay in isolation. We urge people to give help and support their environment, family and friends, as much as possible to enable the isolates to fulfill their duty and maintain public health.

What are the guidelines for people who have been in contact with the patient who has returned from Italy?

Guidance is to be in a home for 14 days since contact with the patient. If any of them develop fever or respiratory symptoms, they should report to MDA hotline 101 and follow the instructions.

Dr. Udi Kleiner is Deputy Head of Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health