Effects of Suggested Discontinuation of Isolation for Babies Born to SARS-CoV-2-positive Women with Negative Test 24 Hours after Birth in Chiba

Abstract

[Background] Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the perinatal period includes not only delivery but also isolation of newborns and handling of breast milk. For the examination of babies born to SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant women, many facilities follow the Japanese Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine guidelines and test babies two times within 24 and 48 h after birth. In August 2022, an emergency recommendation was announced in Chiba, and it said that "newborns will be examined with PCR or LAMP 24 h after birth. When it is negative, we can stop isolation."

[Objective] We clarify the changes regarding the delivery of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers and the effects after the announcement of the guidelines.

[Method] In February 2023, we distributed a questionnaire to 17 major perinatal medical facilities in Chiba Prefecture and collected the answers.

[Results] Forty percent of the facilities were released from isolation with a negative test 24 h after birth, and 60% were released after a negative test 48 h after birth by the Japanese Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine. There were no SARS-CoV-2 cases during the perinatal period.

[Conclusion] In Chiba Prefecture, no obvious problems have occurred with the shortening of the SARS-CoV-2 test for babies.