Table 2. Categories of pre-test probability of COVID-19, according to the presence of clinical features shown in Table 1.
| Stratification of COVID-19 probability | Implications for exclusion from work | |
|---|---|---|
| High probability | ≥2 major symptoms or ≥1 major symptom and ≥ 2 minor symptoms |
Self-isolate for 7 days from the date of onset, regardless of the test result. Only return to work if afebrile for 48 hr and symptoms have improved*. Household contacts should self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of symptom onset in the index case, regardless of the test result. If they develop symptoms, they should self-isolate for 7 days from the date of onset, and only return to work if afebrile for 48 hr and symptoms have improved*. |
| Medium probability | 1 major symptom or 0 major symptoms and ≥ 3 minor symptoms |
Test result positive: self-isolate for 7 days from the date of onset, and only return to work if afebrile for 48 hr and symptoms have improved*. Household contacts should self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of index case symptom onset. If they develop symptoms, they should self-isolate for 7 days from the date of onset, and only return to work if afebrile for 48 hr and symptoms have improved*. Test result negative: repeat testing at 48 hr from the initial swab. If repeat testing is positive, follow the advice detailed above. If repeat testing is negative, return to work, unless symptoms worsen. Self-quarantine not required for household contacts. |
| Low probability | 0 major symptoms and 1–2 minor symptoms | Test result positive: self-isolate for 7 days from the date of test, and only return to work if afebrile for 48 hr and symptoms have improved*. Household contacts should self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of test. If they develop symptoms, they should self-isolate for 7 days from the date of onset, and only return to work if afebrile for 48 hr and symptoms have improved*. Test result negative: return to work, unless symptoms worsen. Self-quarantine not required for household contacts. |
| Asymptomatic | 0 major symptoms and 0 minor symptoms | Test result positive: self-isolate for 7 days from the date of test. If symptoms develop after the test, self-isolation should occur for 7 days from the date of onset, and return to work should only occur if afebrile for 48 hr and symptoms have improved*. Household contacts should self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of the test. If they develop symptoms, they should self-isolate for 7 days from the date of onset, and only return to work if afebrile for 48 hr and symptoms have improved*. Test result negative: continue working, unless symptoms develop. Self-quarantine not required for household contacts. |
*Residual cough in the absence of other symptoms should not preclude returning to work.