Tighten rules on arrivals from China, urge experts

PETALING JAYA: There should be stricter entry requirements for travellers from China, public health experts have urged, with one even suggesting a mandatory five-day quarantine regardless of their Covid-19 test results.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia health economy and public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said firstly, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test must be done within 48 hours of arrival.

A compulsory quarantine for five days must also be imposed, and entry into the country only allowed after a negative PCR test result, she said, adding that many of those infected were, and would be, without symptoms.

“The high-risk populations are who we are worried about,” she added.

Dr Sharifa said a compulsory quarantine should be imposed because initial negative results could turn positive a few days later.

She added that the public must not let their guard down and must continue observing precautionary measures such as wearing a face mask and getting vaccinated.

Public health advocate Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin said Covid-19 cases were expected to surge following the arrival of travellers from China.

“There is no need for travel restrictions at this juncture. (But) if cases continue to rise and it is proven that they are from China, then a travel ban will be necessary,” he said when contacted.

Travellers arriving from abroad, including China, undergo fever screening at international entry points as part of border control measures.

Those who have been detected with fever and other Covid-19 symptoms, or through self-declaration, will be referred to a quarantine centre or the health authorities for re-examination.

Wastewater samples from aircraft coming from China will also be tested with PCR and later dispatched for genome sequencing if the results turn out positive.

Dr Zainal said the government must share the latest data and information with the public and mobilise resources such as NGOs.

He added the government and the public already have experience in dealing with such situations.