As of June 20, 2021, based on data compiled at corona.jakarta.go.id, new cases in Jakarta reached 5,582 per day. The rising cases require the government to issue necessary regulations to control the surge. The government, the Ministry of Health, and other parties are still trying to distribute the vaccines to all groups. The citizen is also encouraged to take extra caution when doing activities outside, such as using a two-layer mask for higher protection.

However, now that we’re facing an invisible adversary called a virus, our best efforts to shield ourselves still have the potential to be breached by it. Being said that, the best we can do is to tighten health protocols, get our vaccine dose, and pray. Then, what should you do if you still get infected and need to self-isolate?

When Should I Self-Isolate?

If you’ve felt the symptoms of Covid-19 such as coughing, anosmia, and fever, immediately plan a self-isolation and schedule yourself for a PCR test at the nearest health facility. A person is also required to self-isolate if they’ve had close contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19. In addition, individuals who are infected with the coronavirus and don’t have symptoms need to report themselves to the nearest Public Health Centre so they can be directed to the available controlled isolation location. Generally, self-isolation lasts for 10-14 days after someone is confirmed positive. However, if the symptoms persist, then the self-isolation duration can take longer.

When undergoing self-isolation, always wear a mask at home, don’t come into physical contact with other people, and separate your equipment from other people's. Make sure your supply of personal medicines, masks, hand sanitizers, and disinfectants is sufficient. Pay attention to the air circulation in your room and let the windows open every morning. Lastly, always monitor your health and notice whether your condition is getting better or not.

[Q&A with dr. Very: What Should You Do if a Relative is Infected with Covid-19?]

Inform the People You’ve Recently Met 

If you've previously interacted with people face-to-face, let them know right away that you're self-isolating. This is crucial so they can prepare themselves in advance, for example undergoing a PCR test. Remember, we all never asked for an illness. It can happen to anyone even though we've tried our best to prevent it so don't cover this up. By doing this, we can stop the spread of the virus more widely.

Save Important Numbers

This is important to do just in case you need quick help. Important numbers that you must save includes the Department of Health hotline (112 and 081 112 112 112), nearest Public Health Centre hotline, and the PIC of the controlled isolation location. Don't forget to save your neighbors’ and family’s numbers.

Stay Indoor and Don’t Go to Public Places

Going to public places while self-isolating is not a wise option to do. So, if you need something from outside, order it through an online delivery service. You can also ask someone healthy to help you by phone to avoid direct contact. After that, when they’re delivering your item, ask them to put it around the gate or in front of the doorstep. Provide a special box or container in advance to make it easier for them to put your items. The last one, before bringing the item to your room, spray disinfectant on the item to keep it sterile!

What Can I Do During Self-Isolation?

We’ve talked about procedures during self-isolation. Now let's move on to a lighter topic: what can I do during self-isolation?

Phone Your Friends or Family

Let your closest ones know that you’re self-isolating and are not allowed to leave the house. In times like this, all you need is getting support from the people you care about. Words of encouragement can be some kind of fuel to make you be more at peace in undergoing this situation.

Doing Entertaining Activities

Those who are in self-isolation are prone to feel stressed out. We need to give our best effort to manage our feelings and mental conditions during this time. However, there are some things that you can do to entertain yourself. You can watch serials with light and entertaining storylines, reading books you haven't got the chance to read, or writing about things you love.

Cleaning the Room

Good air circulation, checked. Then, the next thing to do is to clean out your room regularly. Self-isolated patients spend their time in the room for days which can get the room to be dirty quickly. Start by sweeping, cleaning your stuff with disinfectant, then mopping the floor. A clean and fresh room will certainly put you in a relaxed and happy mood.

When to End Your Self-Isolation?

You are considered to have completed your self-isolation if:

1. Self-isolation has been carried out according to the duration determined by health workers
2. Self-isolated patients do not need to undergo RT-PCR test
3. Self-isolated patients finally getting a certificate from health workers

The only one who understands the way your body feels is you. For this reason, always communicate your condition to the health workers when you have the chance.

Remain calm when you need to self-isolate. Focus on recovering your health by consuming nutritious food, medicine, and vitamins. After you get better, don't forget to do a follow-up consultation and ask your doctor about when you can get your dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

When you’re finally eligible for vaccination, don't forget to immediately register yourself for the first dose. For a hassle-free registration, use JAKIwhich you can download on the Play Storeor App Store. Hope the pandemic ends soon and everything gets back to normal!