Covid-19 quarantine days now five, not seven

GEORGE TOWN: Those who contract Covid-19 now must quarantine themselves for five days instead of the previous seven days.

Hospital Penang infectious diseases unit head Datuk Dr Chow Ting Soo said low-risk groups and those without any underlying conditions could stay home and monitor their own symptoms.

“If the symptoms worsen, get medical assessment from the nearest clinic or hospital,” she said yesterday.

As for high-risk groups and the elderly, Dr Chow urged them to seek a medical assessment as soon as possible, even with slight symptoms.

ALSO READ : Containing the rising spread

She said there are treatments available and doctors can monitor them remotely for five to seven days.

“Oral antiviral medication for Covid-19 is available, which is usually effective when given in the first five days after symptoms appear.

“Doctors in charge will assess the suitability as the drug may have interactions with other regular medicines the patients are taking,” she said.

Dr Chow said the Paxlovid oral antiviral medication is available for free for Covid-19 patients at private health facilities and government clinics.

“If symptoms like coughing still appear after the quarantine period, patients are advised to wear masks while outside for up to 10 days,” she added.

On the necessity of booster vaccine shots, Dr Chow said they are important to prevent infections, especially for high-risk groups.

“I would encourage people who are high risk to get Covid-19 boosters with their influenza vaccination,” she said.

State health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said those who test positive have to declare their status on the MySejahtera app to receive the Digital Home Surveillance Order for five days from the date of symptoms appearing or date of positive test.

“The category of the illness will be reviewed (via the MySejahtera Home Assessment Tool) and further instructions to seek treatment will be advised accordingly through MySejahtera,” he said.

He also reminded close contacts with symptoms to take self-tests.