During the first four days of infection, even the gold standard RT-PCR may miss infected cases, 100% on the first day and up to 67% on day 4. The test is most sensitive on Day 5-8.
Genome analysis is required to identify a primary case, the individual who infects others; an index case is the patient in an outbreak who is first noticed by health authorities.
The decision to opt-out of COVAX undermines the careful and strong reputation for health care excellence that Malaysia has prided itself with. It has the potential to erode confidence in participating and investing in our economy.
Malaysia’s success is a combination of early preparedness and planning, experience in previous pandemics, diagnostics, the public health and hospital system, comprehensive and prompt contact tracing, active case detection, and a strict lockdown.