*3.5. Positive Cases after Clearance of Virus and a Negative Test Result*

Subjects with no clinical symptoms were released from quarantine after two negative COVID-19 PCR test results (performed after an interval of 24 h or more). Nevertheless, 35 cases (2.2%) became positive again during the program: 5.7% in the two or more consultations group and 0.8% in the single consultation group (Table 2). Two of these 35 cases (5.7%) were hospitalized in an ICU after the first diagnosis and quarantined for a mean of 31.49 days. Twelve patients (34.3%) were tested again on the doctor's recommendation or at their own request due to residual symptoms. Twenty-three patients (65.7%) had no symptoms but were confirmed as positive by a mandatory screening test taken before returning to work or health care facilities (Table 4).


**Table 4.** Clinical characteristics of the patients with re-confirmed COVID-19 after viral clearance evidenced by a negative test result.

Data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation or as number (%). \* One had both hypertension and dyslipidemia. † Meningitis. ICU, intensive care unit.
