THE Department of Health says the implementation of the revised Covid-19 contract tracing, quarantine and isolation protocols released last week have been suspended.
Health spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said the department has been “inundated with media, stakeholders and public enquiries and comments” since the release of the new protocols – leading to the decision to put the new protocols on hold.
“In line with the principles of transparency and openness, the department has decided to put the implementation of the revised policy changes on hold, while taking all additional comments and inputs received into consideration. This means the status quo remains, and all prior existing regulations with regards to contact tracing, quarantine and isolation remain applicable.
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“An amended circular will be re-issued once all additional inputs and comments have been considered. The department sincerely apologises for any confusion and inconvenience caused,” the statement read.
The department explained that the revised protocols were “based on a number of scientific factors”.
Last week the department acted on an advisory by the ministerial advisory committee to implement new protocols which included stopping contact tracing, except in congregate settings and cluster outbreak situations.
At the time, the protocols also stated that no isolation period was required for asymptomatic individuals and that they should self-observe for a period for five to seven days.
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