KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 – The Ministry of Health (MOH) will lift compulsory self-isolation and testing for symptomatic close contacts of positive Covid-19 cases effective tomorrow, only recommending such measures.
In a graphic posted on its Twitter account, MOH said people who came into close contact with positive Covid-19 cases are “encouraged” to self-quarantine if they display symptoms.
Symptomatic close contacts are also “encouraged” to self-test for the coronavirus with antigen rapid test kits on the day of onset of symptoms and on the third day.
These individuals can end home quarantine if they test negative and their symptoms improve, but MOH recommends practising preventive measures like wearing a face mask outside one’s home, avoiding crowded places, ensuring good ventilation, avoiding visiting high-risk groups, and travelling for only essential purposes.
For close contacts who do not have any symptoms, MOH has no recommendations for quarantine or testing, but recommends taking preventive measures for five days from the day of the last exposure to a positive Covid-19 case.
All of these guidelines are applicable to close contacts regardless of their vaccination status.
According to the CovidNow site, all Covid-19 indicators are on the decline since the peak of the Omicron variant mid-March, including reported infections, hospital admissions, intensive care unit cases, and deaths.
