Asymptomatic Covid-19 positive patients are now allowed by the Kerala government to work in exclusive areas.

The guidelines issued by the general administration department, however, contradict guidelines issued by the health department that restrict asymptomatic positives to strict home care.

“Guest workers found positive have to be segregated. If they are asymptomatic positive, then they may work in areas exclusively marked by taking all precautions,’’ says the new guidelines.

The new guidelines prohibit such workers from mixing with others. Their stay and food have to be arranged as per first line treatment centre (FLTC) guidelines issued for asymptomatic positives. If one develops symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of smell or breathlessness, they have to be referred to a Covid hospital in the district, and information has to be passed to DISHA 1056.

Experts have raised concerns. “For the viral diseases, treatment is supportive care. How can you ask people to work if they are Covid-positive? It is against ICMR directions. Such guidelines should have been issued after consulting the health department,’’ said Dr G S Vijayakrishnan, general secretary, Kerala Government Medical Officers Association. However, the new guidelines also stipulate that guest workers be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival.