Kelantan reverses testing policy for interstate travellers

 

The Kelantan government reversed its policy requiring domestic travellers from pandemic red zones entering the state to get a Covid-19 test.

Kelantan exco Dr Izani Husin, who is in charge of housing and health, said the decision was made after considering several constraints.

Overwhelmed public hospitals have stopped testing people who do not show symptoms due to the heavy caseload.

"We rescinded the directive due to difficulties (in implementation). The state Health Department does not have enough personnel to conduct the tests and government hospitals and clinics won't test people who do not have symptoms.

"Going to private hospitals will surely be costly, that's why we withdrew the directive. Therefore travellers to Kelantan no longer need to do a swab test, wear a pink tag and undergo quarantine," he told a press conference in Kota Bharu.

Most states do not require testing for domestic interstate travel but Kelantan sought to impose more stringent rules in November last year.

However, with rising Covid-19 cases, Kelantan was also placed under full movement control order (MCO) starting Jan 16.

This means interstate travel is banned unless a special exemption is obtained from the police.

Izani attributed the spike in the state due to Kelantanese returning there over the holidays last month.

He advised those who are travelling to abide by the Health Ministry's standard operating procedure.

He also stressed that people who have symptoms such as runny nose, fever and cough should stay home.

On a related matter, Izani said public hospitals in the state are almost at maximum capacity amid the spiralling number of Covid-19 patients.

As such, he said in line with the federal government's policy, Covid-19 patients with mild or no symptoms will be allowed to quarantine at home. - Mkini