As the Omicron variant is spreading across the world, many countries have resorted to tightening their borders over fears of the variant of concern.
This has even delayed our transition towards the endemic phase.
Apart from the precautionary measures, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in a press conference yesterday (1 December), urged senior citizens in the high risk group to stay away from crowded areas and cancel any international trips, due to the Omicron variant.
He advised Malaysians wishing to go abroad to always adhere to Covid-19 safety practices, especially when heading to countries that had not yet reported any instances of the variant, as well as countries listed as high risk.
“In Europe, for example, it (Covid-19 standard operating procedures) is getting quite relaxed, Malaysians who wish to go to foreign destinations are advised to continue to adhere to the Health Ministry’s advice, even if they are abroad.”
He also reminded everyone in the country to increase preventive measures and always practice TRIIS, which stands for ‘Test, Report, Inform, Isolate and Seek’.
Additionally, Khairy also said that Malaysia was in the midst of reviewing the situation in United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Australia which had reported suspected cases of the Omicron variant and that the review would determine if Malaysia would impose travel restrictions on these five countries.
“When we have more information on the status of the cases in the countries listed, risk assessments will be conducted and then a decision either to impose a travel ban or not will be made,” he said.
Meanwhile, when asked on the Institute of Medical Research’s (IMR) findings on the newly discovered variant, he explained that the Institute will continue to receive data on the genomic sequence from other countries on the variant.
“So, with the genomic sequence, we were able to quickly detect Omicron via the Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, allowing us to deliver a better diagnosis.”
Let’s continue to abide to the SOPs and reduce our contact with others especially if you are considered high risk.
Will you be cancelling your overseas travel plans? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: Defence Minister: Transition To Endemic Phase Temporarily Put Off Due To Omicron Fears
