Ismail Sabri: NSC will refer to health authorities on whether returning students need to undergo Covid-19 test

PUTRAJAYA: The National Security Council will refer to health authorities on whether there is a need to get students returning to hostels to undergo Covid-19 screenings, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said that for now, the policy requiring those with symptoms to go for a swab test remains.

“We did not make it compulsory for students sitting for exams or returning to hostels to undergo screening, as there are costs involved and we do not want to burden parents.

“The Health Ministry is of the view that screening is not required for all students, but only those with symptoms.

“However, since there are incidents (of Covid-19) reported, I will refer the matter to the ministry, ” he said on Thursday (Jan 21).

Ismail Sabri was asked to comment on incidents where students returning to hostels were found to be positive with Covid-19.

It was reported that MRSM Lipis students sitting for the SPM had to be quarantined after a candidate was tested positive for the coronavirus.