Travellers must observe SOP even if they have received full vaccine dosage: Health DG

KUALA LUMPUR: Travellers who have already received the full dose of Covid-19 vaccine are still required to follow all standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the government.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah thanked all parties and individuals who are still following SOPs after taking the first dose of the vaccine.

"This is in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) stand that Covid-19 vaccines cannot be used as an 'immunity passport' as the immunisation programme is still at its initial stages," he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 31).

Based on the latest information, Dr Noor Hisham said the completion of the vaccine dosage can reduce complications and curb the spread of the virus.

"The Health Ministry will continue to monitor and look into the latest developments involving vaccine studies and the respective immunisation programmes that are currently conducted across the world in order to protect public safety," he said.

"The matter will be looked into from time to time based on data, developments and views from WHO," he said.

He added that a new variant of Covid-19 had emerged and it might affect the effectiveness of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

"Travellers abroad, especially those from countries with high infection rates, might increase the spread of the virus in our country.

"Therefore, the government has taken various measures including to tighten borders, Covid-19 screening at all international entry points, and mandatory quarantine at home or identified stations for travellers.

"This will be practised even for travellers who have had the full dose of the vaccine before leaving their respective countries," he said, urging them to also adhere to all the SOPs set by the government.

He said the government would tighten public health measures and conduct risk assessment from to time, taking Covid-19 developments locally and abroad.

"The public has been urged to adhere to the SOPs including physical distancing, wearing face masks and cleaning their hands often as part of the initiative to combat Covid-19," he said.