Dr Yong expects quarantine to be cut to 7 days
The quarantine period is likely to be reduced from 14 days to seven thanks to a decline in Omicron transmissions and the infection period, expert virologist Dr Yong Poovorawan wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
He explained that Omicron transmissions had dropped as most people had received Covid-19 vaccine jabs.
Citing a study in Japan, he said the Omicron virus was often found in saliva in the throat or nasal cavity between the second and fifth days after infection, while the virus transmission period was around six to nine days.
However, he pointed out that transmission would be high during the first seven days, especially between the second and fifth days after infection.
“Hence, the quarantine period is likely to drop to seven days,” Yong wrote.
“After that, patients must strictly undergo measures to contain the spread of the virus, such as wearing a face mask outdoors, staying away from others and washing one’s hands regularly, for at least three days.”
Yong emphasised that everyone must coexist with Covid-19, so guidelines will be changed over time, while studies and research must be conducted in order to mitigate the impact on daily life.
