Swab tests recommended but not mandatory for red zone employees – Ismail

PUTRAJAYA: The government is highly recommending that employees from red zones who are required to work in the office undergo swab tests for Covid-19, although the government is not making it mandatory.

Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this is to ensure those who are in the office are free of Covid-19.

“Swab tests are highly recommended so that infections can be detected early to avoid the emergence of new clusters in workplaces.

“Our advice is to get this done so that workers’ health status can be determined to avoid them from endangering their families and co-workers, ” he said in his regular briefing here yesterday.

It is mandatory however, for those with symptoms to undergo swab test, he added.

Ismail said it is also mandatory for foreigners who are in the construction sector and who work as security guards to be screened for Covid19.