Individuals who are fully vaccinated but unfortunately have tested positive for any variant of the Covid-19 virus will have to undergo a seven-day isolation period effective today (16 January 2022). As quoted by BERNAMA, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin explained further that those with either incomplete vaccination, not vaccinated or those who have symptoms will have to self-isolate for 10 full days. Khairy said that their health will be assessed again before they can be discharged from isolation.
The ministry has implemented isolation orders on Covid-19 positive cases and quarantine for close contacts of Covid-19 positive cases under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 [Act 342] to control the spread of the infection. Khairy elaborated that based on the data, science and experience of other countries pertaining to the management of Covid-19 cases and close contacts of positive cases (including those infected with the Omicron variant), the Health Ministry has re-evaluated the Observation and Surveillance Period and decided on the latest ruling.
Meanwhile, close contacts of Covid-19 positive cases who have received their booster shots will only be required to undergo a five-day mandatory quarantine. On the other hand, close contacts who have been fully immunised, not fully vaccinated or have not been vaccinated, will undergo a seven-day quarantine. He explained,
“If they are symptomatic, they will have to undergo a Covid-19 infection detection test using RTK-Ag, either a self-test or at a nearby health facility for further treatment. The results of the self-test must be shared on MySejahtera. They will also have to undergo RTK-Ag testing either at government or private facilities on the fifth day (for the five-day quarantine period) and the seventh day (for the seven-day quarantine period). They will be issued with a quarantine release order on the same day the RTK-Ag detection test is performed if the result is negative and they are asymptomatic.”
As mentioned earlier, the new isolation order will take effect on Sunday (Jan 16) and those who are currently undergoing their isolation and quarantine will also need to abide by this new order. However, the existing procedures for travellers who have just arrived in Malaysia remain the same as previously announced.
Khairy also revealed the ministry has increased its preparedness in case of the increase in cases following the presence of Omicron in the country. Hence, those who are eligible to get their boosters should do so to achieve the highest level of protection and avoid severe complications.
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