The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is concerned over the large number of people returning from Sabah, which has witnessed a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases, to other parts of the country following the state polls over the weekend.
Stressing that the next two to three weeks is crucial in curbing the spread of the virus, MMA president Dr Subramaniam Muniandy suggested that the returnees be placed in quarantine centres.
"We laud the decision by the Health Ministry to test all returnees and impose a quarantine on all returnees from Sabah.
"All returnees must ensure they fully adhere to the quarantine and SOPs (standard operating procedures) or new clusters can emerge all over the country," he warned in a statement.
However, Subramaniam pointed out that in certain situations, it would be impossible to observe physical distancing and isolation in a home setting.
"Quarantine centres would be the safer option," he added.
Subramaniam also urged employers to ensure that their workers returning from Sabah are certified to be medically fit and declared free of Covid-19.
"Employees must also be upfront with their employers on their health status with proper documentation" he added.
As for healthcare workers, the MMA president said they must not let their guard down and adhere to all infectious disease control protocols.
"All healthcare workers must be consistent in ensuring they observe preventive measures when seeing patients," he added.
About half of the Covid-19 cases outside of Sabah have been linked to the outbreak in the state.
Effective Sept 27 until Oct 10, travellers arriving from Sabah are required to undergo mandatory testing and observe home quarantine until test results are available. - Mkini
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