The daily number of new Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, which has remained in the five figures, is a cause for concern.
After two years of living with COVID-19, Malaysians should be more alert of the virus’s widespread and take steps to reduce their movement in light of the recent increase in cases.
During the peak of the coronavirus, many people were left lingering about the isolation period for those who are positive or had close contact with positive cases.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MoH) has recently updated the COVID-19 isolation duration, which will commence from 8th February 2022.
Depending on the individual’s vaccination status, the isolation duration for both positive and close contact cases will range from 5 to 10 days.
Isolation period for positive cases
The isolation period for positive COVID-19 cases will vary depending on the individual’s vaccination status.
- Individuals who are fully vaccinated and are asymptomatic will undergo a 7-day isolation period.
- Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or experience symptoms will undergo a 10-day isolation period.
Isolation period for individuals with close contact to a positive case
The isolation period for those who have had close contact with a COVID-19 positive patient will also vary depending on the individual’s vaccination status.
- Individuals who are fully vaccinated and have received a COVID-19 booster dose will undergo a 5-day isolation period.
- Individuals who are fully vaccinated but have not received a booster dose will undergo a 7-day isolation period.
- Individuals who are not fully vaccinated will undergo a 10-day isolation period.
If you are experiencing symptoms, you should do an RTK-Ag (antigen rapid test, or ART) test at home or visit a healthcare centre.
You are not required to do so if they are asymptomatic, and you will be discharged at the completion of their isolation period.
If you develop symptoms during the isolation time, you should undergo an RTK-Ag test or go to a healthcare facility if your symptoms worsen. The isolation period will finish on the 5th, 7th, and 10th days, respectively, depending on your vaccination status.
Individuals who have completed their 14-day isolation period, are advised to follow the following rules strictly;
- Continue monitoring yourself for symptoms
- Always wear a mask while in public
- Make sure to maintain physical safe-distancing from others
- Avoid interaction with high-risk groups.
Remember that the virus is air-borne, so please follow the SOPs and stay away from crowded areas as much as possible. By doing so, the risk of infection will be reduced.
Stay safe everyone!
Source: COVIDNOW/ Majlis Keselamatan Negara
