The Health Ministry has made COVID-19 tests mandatory for individuals who have been to or were from areas designated as ‘red zones’, if they display symptoms of infection.
Photo via BERNAMA
According to the Malay Mail, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah said that it should be mandatory for these individuals to have themselves tested at the nearest public health facility even if they were not symptomatic.
“As of today, there are five zones in Malaysia classified as red. Four are situated in Sabah, namely Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna while one is in Kedah, which is Kota Setar,” he said in a statement.
“Those who are asymptomatic but who have been to a red zone are also encouraged to take a test and undergo self-quarantine,” said DG Hisham.
Dr. Noor Hisham also reminded those who are involved in the Sabah state election, regardless of status and title, to always follow the SOPs that have been set by the government to help combat further spreading of the COVID-19 virus.
Photo via Malay Mail
Our Health DG also added: “In Sabah, the National Security Council and Election Commission has developed standard operating procedures for campaigning and voting during the ongoing state election. The ministry pleads with the public regardless of social standing and status for everyone to help the nation in controlling the spread of COVID-19.”
Sabah recently became a hotspot for politicians to campaign for the upcoming Sabah state elections. A few politicians have even tested positive for COVID-19, upon returning from Sabah.
71 news cases were reported as of Thursday (24 September), 69 of which were local transmissions. 63 of the cases were in Sabah, four cases in Kedah, and two in Selangor.
Stay safe, guys!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
