In the context of the continuous monitoring of the new data that emerge, following the recommendation of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the coronavirus, the protocol for the release of the close contacts of the cases is revised.
Initially, it is recalled that close contacts are defined by specific criteria in accordance with the applicable protocol. During the tracking process, the case is asked to state the contacts it had two days before the onset of symptoms or two days before the test (in case of asymptomatic cases).
Close contacts are subjected to molecular examination (PCR test) after arranging an appointment by the Public Health Clinics and at the same time receive instructions via text message for self-limitation.
In particular, close contacts are subject to mandatory self-limitation for 14 days from their last contact with the case regardless of laboratory result (contact day is defined as day zero). Close contacts can be released earlier ONLY by negative PCR on day 7 from any approved laboratory.
Release on day 7 with negative PCR is valid only for close contacts and not for positive cases.
If the close contacts are not isolated from the positive case (eg parents caring for a minor child, carers caring for people who are not self-employed, etc.), then the day of the beginning of their isolation is renewed with a new day zero from the day of release of the positive case, since until the last day before its release the positive person is potentially contagious.
Employers or those in charge of safety and health or the local infection commissions or the local infection committees where of cases in the Tracing Team of the Ministry of Health.
Close contacts are not released by their Personal Physician but only at the end of the days described above. Individuals who have been declared as close contacts are entitled to a special leave certificate for public health reasons who can present it at work and be reimbursed by the Department of Social Security through an application.
It is understood that close contacts are not allowed to visit the rapid test sampling points, as there is a risk of the virus spreading to other attendees and they will have to wait for information from the Public Health Clinics to schedule an appointment.
Close contacts can contact 1474 for general information on COVID-19, or for issues related to the tracking process by phone at 22771923 or electronically at [email protected].
COVID-19 Positive Incident Management:
At the same time, it is reminded that a person with a positive result after rapid antigen test or PCR test (molecular test) from any sampling point, must follow the instructions of self-isolation, put himself in self-limitation and inform the Physician's Staff.
It is understood that you should not visit any other rapid test sampling point to repeat the test, as there is a risk of spreading the virus to other attendees. It should be noted that the results from the sampling points of the rapid tests are notified to the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit after the completion of the tests and the communication from the Tracing Team is done within 24 hours.
When the case is contacted by the Tracking Team, information will be requested that will be used confidentially exclusively to identify the source of infection of the positive case, locate its contacts and understand the virus. At the end of the tracking process, the positive case receives via email or sms and in writing the instructions for self-isolation, as well as instructions for completing his close contacts in the relevant Table.
The Personal Physician is responsible for monitoring the health of his patients / beneficiaries and the release of confirmed cases, according to the release protocol and not earlier than 14 days from the diagnosis or the onset of symptoms. Individuals who do not have a Personal Physician are released from the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit. Upon their release, all cases receive a text message indicating the day of release. Sick leave is given by the Personal Physician.
For general information, the cases can call 1474, while for a report of worsening symptoms, medical assessment, need to be transferred to a hospital, they can call 1420. For issues related to the tracing process, contact us by phone at 22771923 or electronically at email [email protected]. For release issues, positive cases can be contacted by the Release Team at [email protected].
For complaints of cases of self-restraint cases or close contacts, citizens can call 22606789.
