Cost-effectiveness Analysis of COVID-19 Case Isolation

Among the several pandemic intervention measures, two main strategies are proposed to isolate a COVID-19 patient with mild symptoms, isolating in the home which the patient may be sharing with other household members or isolating the patient in a hotel room to prevent his/her interaction with other householders. Australia practices home-isolation of confirmed cases with mild symptoms, suspected cases (people with symptoms awaiting laboratory results) and close contacts of cases, which ultimately increases the risk of infection of other household members regardless of their numerous hygienic actions. In this study, we use a decision tree model to compare the cost of these alternatives and provide insightful recommendations for policymakers and government members regarding the most cost-effective way of isolating a COVID-19 patient. Although, the cost of isolating a confirmed case in his/her home in an average Australian household, $1,248.00, is lower than the total cost of isolating a confirmed case in a hotel room, $4,069.80, we report that the decision should be reversed depending on the household size and the secondary household attack rate.