Covid-19: Health Ministry to review guidelines after users complain hotline is down

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has been tasked to relook at guidelines on what to do when someone tests positive for Covid-19 at home, after social media users complained that the Covid-19 Assessment Centre (CAC) hotline set up during the pandemic is no longer working.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said while he had instructed his team to check on the status of the hotline, those with severe symptoms should visit the nearest government health clinic or hospital.

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"I'm checking with the team on (the status of) the hotline.

"I hope those infected will get well soon and continuously monitor your symptoms.

"Please go to the nearest health clinic or hospital if your symptoms worsen," he said on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday (Dec 18).

Responding to a user, Dr Dzulkefly agreed and said a proper communications strategy was needed to provide a holistic picture and explanation of what to do.

"I have instructed the team responsible to revisit and update or reactivate various guidelines, processes and infographics in anticipation of pending severe outbreaks.

"It should be ready soon," he said.

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Many social media users have voiced their grouses after encountering non-responsive CAC hotlines.

Some even demanded that the 03-7723 9299 number be reactivated following the spike in Covid-19 infections lately, and suggested the Health Minister call the number himself.

The ministry’s latest figures showed 3,389 new Covid-19 cases as of Dec 16, with 73.1% of hospital beds used as of Sunday (Dec 17), while ICU bed utilisation stood at 63.8%.