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Contact case: test, duration of isolation… what is the protocol to follow?
Positive PCR test, duration of isolation… Are you a contact case and you don’t know what steps to take? Discover the protocol depending on whether you are vaccinated or not.
The Covid-19 epidemic has experienced a resurgence of contamination in recent days. Nearly 101,747 cases of Covid have been identified according to the latest with Epidemiology of Public Health France. Since March 14, the health protocol has been lightened by two key measures: wearing a mask is no longer compulsory indoors and the suspension of the vaccination pass. But that’s not all: the measures concerning contact cases have also been relaxed.
How to determine if one is a contact case?
A contact case is, according to the governmentan individual who has been “in contact with a Covid-19 positive person without effective protective measures“. For example, it may be prolonged contact with a sick person during an episode of coughing or sneezing or care given or received by a person positive for the virus.
There are several ways to find out if you are considered a contact case:
- You have met a person positive for Covid-19
- You have been alerted by the Tous Anti Covid application
- You have received a message from Health Insurance
It is important to note that if you contracted Covid-19 less than two months ago, you are not considered a contact case.
Once you know that you are in contact, several precautions should be taken. And depending on whether you are vaccinated or not, these can vary.
I am a contact case and vaccinated: what should I do?
Even if you are vaccinated, the first thing to do is to submit to a test – PCR or antigen – two days after being notified by Health Insurance or by the positive person to determine if you have Covid. -19 or not. the test will be covered in full.
- If your test is negative
– Since you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to self-isolate
– Be careful despite everything: wear a mask in public spaces, including at home if you live with the Covid-positive person, limit your social interactions, avoid being around people at risk…
– Check your temperature and if symptoms appear, perform a second control test
If your control test is negative, you can resume the course of your life, but always with caution.
- If your test is positive
– If your antigen or PCR test is positive, then isolate yourself immediately, Health Insurance will contact you by text or telephone to give you health instructions.
– In the case of a positive self-test: you must then confirm the result by going to a pharmacy to do an antigen test or a PCR test and isolate yourself while waiting for the result.
Your immediate family members are also considered contact cases and must test and self-isolate. Indeed, in the event of a positive test, you must inform the people with whom you have been in contact 48 hours after your last risky contact with the person positive for Covid-19.
I am a contact case but not vaccinated or not completely: what should I do?
You are a contact case but you do not have a complete vaccination schedule or you are not vaccinated at all? You must then isolate yourself for a period of seven days after the last contact with the Covid-positive person and carry out a screening test -PCR or antigen-, to find out if you have contracted Covid-19 or not.
If your test is negative and there is no fever, then you can lift your isolation (if the 7-day period has elapsed).
Note: a decree of the Directorate General of Health of March 15, 2022 indicated that from Monday March 21, non-vaccinated people over the age of 12 will no longer have to isolate themselves when they are contact cases.
On the other hand, if your test is positive, then you must:
– Remain in isolation for at least 10 days from the date of the test;
– you can end your isolation after only 7 days, in the absence of fever or breathing difficulties for 48 hours and following a negative screening test (antigenic or PCR);
– watch for symptoms, and contact a doctor or emergency services (15) if breathing difficulties ;
– the members of your household will in turn be considered as contact cases.
Read also :
⋙ Case in contact, is my health pass still valid?
⋙ Covid-19: beware, we are already offering paid tests!