If someone has COVID, hospital-based care and isolation are best.

In Kenya, that is not always possible. For someone with mild symptoms, home-based care may be possible. This saves hospital beds for more severe cases.

Home-based care is most suitable for:

• only mild COVID symptoms
• young and relatively healthy people
• no other vulnerable people in the home

A separate, well-ventilated room is best to isolate the patient. They must not share space with others, as that can spread the disease. Caregivers need the right protective equipment (masks, gloves etc.)

COVID patients can suffer sudden drops in blood oxygen levels, without obvious signs. As well as checking their temperature, regular measurements with a pulse oximeter can be life-saving.

A Community Health Volunteer or Health Care Worker should always be consulted.

Guidelines from the Ministry of Health are available here.

Extra Resources

Home Care For Patients... WHO (Oct 2020)

Home Based Isolation Guidelines Kenyan Ministry of Health (Jun 2020)