Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba announced that the observation period for ministers returning from any official overseas visits have been reduced from ten days to three days and will be enforced starting today (9 February).
Since his announcement, netizens have not been reacting well to this news and some were even demanding the Health Minister’s resignation. In his live press conference today, Health Director-General, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah justified the Health Minister’s move by saying that based on the gazette it was explained that the cabinet of ministers who return from any overseas shall undergo an observation period of three days OR undergo surveillance until they are discharged without posing danger to the public.
He added that the OR meant that the quarantine period could be either seven days, 14 days, or even 21 days. MOH would see that the minister obeys Section 29 of the “bubble” and submit an application to the Cabinet before they leave for their trip where it would be subject to their approval.
“When the Cabinet approves, we would see the SOP timetable and also official events they would be attending. The timetables would be presented to both sides.”
The ministers would not be allowed to go to events that are in public places. He also highlighted that they would have to use their own private jets and not commercial flights. Only when these factors are considered, the quarantine period could be for three days.
What do you think of the Health DG’s explanation? Let us know!
Also read: #AdhamBabaLetakJawatan Trends After 3-Day Quarantine Period For Ministers Announced