Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will no longer receive home surveillance orders (HSO) and will be treated like those with other respiratory infections, according to health minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad. This change, effective 17 July 2024 onwards, is part of the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) reviewed standard operating procedures (SOP) and guidelines under the “Living with COVID-19” phase.
Previously, those who tested positive were required to observe a five-day HSO from the onset of symptoms. Medical leave certificates or hospital referrals will now be based on the attending medical officer’s assessment. Meanwhile, close contacts of COVID-19 positive cases are encouraged to self-monitor their symptoms and health status. If symptoms persist or worsen, they should visit nearby healthcare facilities for assessment and further treatment.
Kenyataan Media Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
“Living With COVID-19” pic.twitter.com/tO93kEXAJU
— KKMalaysia🇲🇾🩺❤️ (@KKMPutrajaya) July 5, 2024
This advisory was part of Dr. Dzulkefly’s parliamentary reply to Datuk Dr. Ahmad Yunus Hairi, who inquired about MOH’s preparations in light of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Singapore. Despite the changes, those who test positive still have the potential to spread the virus and are encouraged to stay at home and avoid close contact with others if they must go out.
Malaysia sekarang berada dalam situasi yang lebih baik dan bersedia untuk peralihan fasa hidup bersama COVID-19. Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) telah 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗸𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗵 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 ('𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲… pic.twitter.com/IDAeQIr9ry
— KKMalaysia🇲🇾🩺❤️ (@KKMPutrajaya) July 7, 2024
The minister emphasised the importance of face masks, especially for healthcare workers, individuals with respiratory symptoms, and those who test positive for COVID-19. He advised these groups to wear masks to minimise social interaction and prevent the spread of the virus. He also recommended that individuals with respiratory symptoms wear masks in healthcare settings, crowded areas, or poorly ventilated spaces, and encouraged healthcare personnel to follow infection control protocols by wearing masks while attending to patients.
Addressing the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Singapore, Dr. Dzulkefly stated that the ministry had strengthened its preparedness to handle a potential rise in cases in Malaysia. The measures include continuous monitoring of the local and global COVID-19 situation using the Heightened Alert System (HAS), which has been in place since the early stages of the pandemic. The HAS monitors COVID-19 transmission, case management, and hospital capacity for response.
