Individuals over the age of 18 who have had their COVID-19 booster shot will no longer be subject to a Home Surveillance Order (HSO) if they show no signs or symptoms of COVID-19 after coming into close contact with an infected person.
The new protocol, which takes effect on March 1st, was announced by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who said the decision was reached after analyzing data on the Variant of Concern (VOC), Omicron.
Photo via Malay Mail
"However, these close contacts will still be required to undergo a self-COVID-19 rapid (RTK) test on the first and third days after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive case," he said during a news conference on Thursday (February 24th).
Those who test negative on both days, according to Khairy, can go about their business as usual.
"Of course, if they're positive, they'll have to submit their results on the MySejahtera app and are required to go into quarantine," he added.
Previously, everybody who got the booster doses had to spend five days in isolation, regardless of whether or not they had symptoms.
Quarantine is still required for individuals who had been vaccinated but had not had their booster dose, even if they were asymptomatic. However, the period had been reduced to five days from seven days earlier.
If you had not completed your vaccination and came into contact with COVID-19 patients, you MUST isolate yourself for seven days instead of ten, even if you are asymptomatic.
The Ministry of Health has been gradually reducing quarantine restrictions for COVID-19 close contacts, most notably exempting healthcare personnel from isolation if they became asymptomatic after becoming a close contact.
Now that we really don’t need to quarantine ourselves, make sure that you are being vigilant and responsible.
If you are showing symptoms, please isolate yourself from the public and get yourself tested ASAP!
Stay safe, everyone!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
