Covid-19: Self-quarantine even if you test negative, Sabah returnees advised

PUTRAJAYA: Individuals returning from Sabah who test negative for Covid-19 should quarantine themselves at home even though this is not compulsory, says Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

The Health director-general said quarantine was not mandatory for them, but it would be better for those under self-regulation orders to stay at home and avoid contact with people as much as possible.

"Although it is not mandatory for them to be quarantined, we still advise them to comply with the SOP (standard operating procedure).

"Stay at home, avoid close contact with anyone and comply with the 1m physical distancing (rule)," said Dr Noor Hisham at the ministry's Covid-19 press conference here on Tuesday (Sept 29).

The self-regulation order is only for those who have tested negative for Covid-19, are asymptomatic and have had no close contact with any Covid-19 positive cases.

Those who test negative but are close contacts of Covid-19 patients or have symptoms have to undergo quarantine.

Dr Noor Hisham said Malaysia would ensure that those who are positive for Covid-19 would be treated at hospitals.

"In other countries, Covid-19 positive patients are being isolated at home. In Malaysia, they must be sent to the hospital," he said.

Since Sunday (Sept 27), all flight passengers returning from Sabah have to undergo Covid-19 tests.