Q＆A■Ending isolation ・ Self-quarantine in the case that you tested positive
Symptomatic Case

You are encouraged to stay home
until your symptoms is over for 24hours andmore than 7days passed since the 1st day ofdeveloped symptoms..

①

Day 1 w/ Symptoms

2 days②

Test Positive# of days between the first signs of
COVID symptoms (cough, sore throatetc.) and the day you test positive

The # of days will depend on theseverity of your symptoms

Recovery ③24 hours

Recovery Period （Hospitalisation / Isolation @ home or facility）

Precaution: Anyone who comes in contact with the patient during this period could be considered a “close contact”
The patient can be cleared of isolation without another test if they meet the following requirements:
1) 7 or more days since the first day w/ symptoms & 2) 24 hours since your recovery (refer to #3 below)

Asymptomatic Case

You are encouraged to stay home
until 7days passed
since your specimen was collected.
Or 5days if the test kit is negative on the 5thday.

Test Positive ④

2 daysCleared of Precautions

7 daysOr 5 days if the test kit is negative on the 5th day
Precaution (as mentioned above)

Notes:① This does not apply to patients treated with a ventilator.
② If this day cannot be specified, this will be substituted by the day the positive specimen was obtained.
③ A “Recovery” can be defined as 1) the absence of a fever without the use of an antipyretic and 2) a noticeable
improvement in respiratory status.
④ The day the positive specimen was obtained for the test.

As of September 2022

Q＆A
■Close contact with someone with COVID-19

Q1. What is “Close Contact”?
A1. A “Close contact” can be described as someone who has been contact with a patient who has tested positive
for COVID 19 (via PCR testing, etc.), under any of the following conditions.
The period under concern starts 2 days before the collection of the specimen (if the patient who tested positiveasymptomatic) or the onset of symptoms (if symptomatic), until the end of isolation.
- A Co-habitant- A person who had long term contact with patient
Aircraft: Those sitting within 2 rows of the patient (International) or within 2 meters (Domestic)- A person who has examined, nursed or cared for the patient without appropriate protective equipment- Those who have been in direct contact with contaminants such as airway secretions or bodily fluids- A person who has been in contact with the patient for more than 15 minutes without necessary infection prevention
measures (such as a face mask) within arms length (approx. 1 meter)
However, please note that these are general conditions. The public health center will make a comprehensive
judgment regarding one’s status as a “Close Contact” depending on the severity of the situation in each region.

Q2. What should I do if I have contacted someone who is a “Close Contact” ?
A2. You are not subject to any restrictions at the moment. However, you will be informed and will be subject torestrictions if the “close contact” also tests positive. Please continue to follow preventative measures as there is ahigher chance that you may have also been infected by COVID-19.

■Self-isolation at home

Q3. Where to contact if my condition worsens during self-isolation at home?
A3. Call customer service at your local call center or contact the consultation desk of your municipality.
Q4. What precautions should be taken in self-isolation at home?
A4. You are strongly recommended to prepare in advance for home-isolation, as you are not permitted to leave
the house during this period.
Some local governments deliver a grocery package. When using delivery services, ask for your package to be left in
front of your door so as not to come into direct contact with them.
Ensure that you have a functioning thermometer and an extra battery.

Q5. Is it safe to take antipyretic medication containing ingredients such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, orloxoprofen to treat symptoms?

A5. In most cases, it is safe to take antipyretic medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist in the following cases:
・If you are taking other medication, pregnant, breastfeeding, or a senior citizen. There are also certain medications
that you may not take while under treatment for conditions such as stomach and duodenal ulcers.
・Previous allergic reactions or asthma due to medication, etc.
・Severe and/or long lasting symptoms including but not limited to severe pain and high fever.

As of September 2022

Q＆A
Q6. What if I run out of medication?
A6.

The response will depend on your municipality. Some deliver medication through online services. You may
have it delivered to a cohabitant, or ask for your package to be left in front of your door.

Q7. How dose the pulse oximeter work?
A7. If the Sp02 (blood oxygen saturation) level is clocked below 93% by the pulse oximeter,
consult designated contacts such as local public health center or family doctor immediately.
The device may not provide an accurate measurement if your hands are cold, swollen, or if you use
nail polish. There may also be a slight variation in measurements depending on the product.

Photo by the Japaneserespiratory society

Q8. What to do with my used pulse oximeter?
A8. Please return the used pulse oximeter to the municipality that sent to you for others who need it, while
following their instructions.

Q9. What is the definition of “severe illness”?
A9. Severe illness : Hospitalisation in the ICU(intensive care unit) using a ventilator + under critical condition.
- Moderate illness : Pneumonia and shortness of breath.
- Moderate illnessⅡ: Requiring oxygen supply.
- Moderate illnessⅠ: Those who do not require a supply of oxygen.
- Minor : People who can breathe on their own, including those breating with difficulty.
SpO2 levels below 93% should be reported to your physician immediately, even if you don’t notice any symptoms.

Q10. I have a constant “wet cough” (coughing with phlegm). How can I alleviate these symptoms?
A10. Try lying on your stomach. When you lie down on your back for a long time, phlegm will easily accumulate inyour lungs. Switching positions will improve the level of circulation while expanding your lungs, and consequently help todisplace phlegm.

Q11. My municipality asked me to monitor my own health during self-isolation.
A11.

Health observations tools/apps differ by municipality. If you use “My HER-SYS”, you need to register via aURL sent via text (SMS) from the local public health cent. Complete the sign up and input your health observations via
smartphone or laptop.
Note: You may receive a text message before contact from a public health center.
【My HER-SYS User’s guide】
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000121431_00295.html

As of September 2022

Q＆A
■Ending isolation ・ Self-quarantine

Q12. How can I end isolation? (Requirements as follows)
A12. 【If Symptomatic】 1) 7 whole days after the first sign of symptoms and 2) 24 hours free of any symptoms.
Or 2 consecutive negative results on a COVID-19 test taken at least 24 hours apart after being free of symptoms.
(For those hospitalized or in an elderly facility, the treatment is lifted after 10 days or more and after 72 hours of recovery.)【Asymptomatic】 7 whole days after the day the positive specimen was collected, or 5 days if the test kit is negative on the5th day.
【If Symptoms appear after a negative result】 The patient may end isolation 10 days after the onset of symptoms.
※Please note that there is a risk of infection until 10 days have passed if there are symptoms, or until 7 days have passed
if there are no symptoms. We ask that you check your own health condition by taking your temperature, avoid contact
with high-risk individuals such as the elderly, avoid unnecessary visits to high-risk facilities and places with a high risk ofinfection or eating out and wear a mask.

Q13. How long family member should be quarantined?
A13. A family member of the patient is considered a close contact as per【A1】. If you have been considered as a “close contact”, please stay home andquarantine for 5 days after patient develops symptoms. However, if you test twoconsecutive negative results on an antigen test taken either on Day 2 or Day 3,
you may terminate your period of isolation after Day 3. Even after the period isover, “close contacts” are encouraged to monitor their health, and avoid socialgatherings until the they have recovered.

Q14. How to dispose of household garbage of an infected person ?

【If your family member is infected withCOVID-19】
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/household.pdf【How to dispose of household garbage】
https://www.env.go.jp/recycle/waste/sp_con
tr/infection/coronakoho.html

A14. Contaminated items include tissue paper and face masks used by theperson who tested positive. Be careful not to come in contact with such items
and keep them contained in an air-tight bag. Wash your hands thoroughly withsoap after disposal.

【English】【 Chinese】【やさしいにほんご】Q15. Can I get vaccinated even if I’ve had COVID-19?
A15. You may get vaccinated even if you have been infected, regardless of the【COVID-19 vaccines Q&A】
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid19/qa.html

number of vaccinations you have already received.
Please note that you can be vaccinated once you have recovered from COVID-19,
regardless of your treatment or the length of time since the infection.

As of September 2022