Sabah returnees should undergo 14-day quarantine

KUCHING: The Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM) has urged returnees from Sabah not to rely on a single test for Covid-19, especially if it is the antigen rapid test kit (RTK), and to undergo the 14-day quarantine.

"RTK tests have 85 per cent test sensitivity and may produce a false negative result. Those who were in red zones during the election should obtain an RT-PCR swab test and undergo testing on the 13th day of quarantine as is mandated for overseas returnees," it said in a statement Saturday.

AMM also support the Ministry of Health’s decision to enforce mandatory testing for returnees from Sabah.

It urged the government to enforce mandatory quarantine in designated quarantine centres for Sabah returnees.

It pointed out that it has been proven in countries such as China and Singapore where compliance rates are high that home quarantines are not as effective in curbing spread.

"Everyone who visited a red zone during the election period should undergo 14-day quarantine in a quarantine centre. If home surveillance orders (HSO) are to be followed, there must be equal enforcement and accountability of the persons-under-investigation," the statement added.

AMM expressed concern over the sharp increase in number of Covid-19 cases following the Sabah state elections on September 26.

As of October 2, there are 1,540 active cases in the country, with 22 of those infected in the intensive care unit (ICU) compared to just four cases one week prior.

"A strong economy and maintaining a healthy society during the pandemic are not mutually exclusive, but all Malaysians and residents of Malaysia must do their part to prevent spread.

"The economy will not recover if our infection rates continue to grow; conversely, health outcomes will also be affected if our economy is not doing well," AMM stressed.

It noted that another Movement Control Order (MCO) may have serious consequences for the national economy, impacting low-income households and small businesses the most.

"Therefore, we must not let our guard down. Every Malaysian and resident of Malaysia must follow the guidelines set by the authorities especially while out in public.