Health DG: Quarantine Period Shortened From 14 to 10 Days For Overseas Travellers

The quarantine period for travellers returning from abroad as well as the management of close contacts in Malaysia has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days, effective today. As reported by Utusan, Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said, it also applies to surveillance and observation orders implemented at the gazetted quarantine centre or at the residence.

He said this decision is in line with the current situation in the country and the latest clinical reports from around the world. He elaborated,

“Until now, several countries have reviewed the mandatory quarantine period in their respective countries.  The United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium have reduced the quarantine period from 14 days to 10 days while France has taken a mandatory quarantine period of seven days.” 

The latest review of clinical scientific evidence found that the risk of post-quarantine infection will decrease according to the quarantine time period where the rate of infection is highest in the first week after exposure. So the decision was made based on the implementation of the quarantine period by other countries and also clinical scientific reports.

Also read: Health Expert: Public Advised To Postpone Balik Kampung Travels