Publication:

Why do we need to report on COVID-19 suspected cases presentation in primary care?

While research and reporting on COVID-19 disease focused on laboratory-confirmed cases, minimal to no reporting happen to suspected cases. Initially, WHO advised screen and quarantine strategy. All suspected cases who had mild symptoms were advised to have COVID-19 polymerase chair reaction test.Patients with positive results are advised to quarantine in either home or quarantine facilities dependant on local guidance. Feasibility of testing and isolation strategy seems unlikely in many settings because of the strain on resources; guidance was updated in different countries. Centers for disease control (CDC) and many international guidelines advised home isolation with no testing for suspected cases with mild symptoms. Case definition was updated on different occasions, but suspected cases generically defined based on history and/or risk factors.