KINIGUIDE: The new Covid-19 protocols from May 1

 

KINIGUIDE | This instalment of KiniGuide explains the few existing rules that will remain.

Are face masks still required?

Yes, but only when indoors or when commuting on public transport (including e-hailing vehicles).

There are exceptions. A person can remove the face mask when exercising or if the person is alone, or if the person is consuming food or water.

The Health Ministry encourages the wearing of masks outdoors under these circumstances:

1. Individuals who are sick and have symptoms;

2. Visiting crowded areas; and,

3. Individuals who are in the high-risk category (unvaccinated against Covid-19, the elderly and the frail).

Failure to comply with masking rules may result in a RM1,000 fine under the Prevention And Control Of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

Is physical distancing still required?

No. In fact, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and his director-general, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, shook hands yesterday to demonstrate that this rule will no longer be in effect from May 1.

However, the public is still advised to keep their distance when around those not wearing masks.

Can I delete the MySejahtera application?

That is not advisable.

Since 2020, Malaysians have had two options when visiting any commercial premises - either pen their details on a logbook or use the MySejahtera application's check-in function.

Both rules will be void on May 1.

However, premise owners will still have to check the individual risk status of MySejahtera application users.

Individuals who are regarded as "high risk" on the MySejahtera application or are given a "home surveillance order" must be barred from entry.

Will my vaccination status still matter?

No. All individuals, except those who are Covid-19 positive or are restricted by the "home surveillance order" will have freedom of mobility, regardless of vaccination status.

Are quarantine rules still in place?

Yes. Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 must be quarantined for seven days from the date the sample was taken.

The quarantine can be lifted on the fourth day if a professionally conducted RTK-Ag test comes back negative.

These RTK-Ag tests can be conducted either in person or virtually.

The professional supervising the test must key in the test results on the fourth day to the Health Ministry eCovid system before a quarantine order can be lifted.

What are the rules for returning or visiting Malaysia?

Pre-departure and on-arrival testing will only apply to those who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 or are partially vaccinated.

Those in this category must conduct their Covid-19 tests two days before departure and once again 24 hours after arrival.

Following this, they must undergo quarantine for five days and perform either a RT-PCR test on the fourth day of quarantine or a RTK-Ag test on the fifth day.

Pre-departure and on-arrival testing will not apply to the following:

1. Travellers age 13 and above who have completed their vaccination;

2. Travellers who recently recovered from Covid-19 infections (defined as between six to 60 days after the date of recovery); and,

3. Travellers under the age of 12.

Will I need to buy Covid-19 insurance to visit Malaysia?

No. The previous rule, which will be in effect until April 30, required all short-term visitors to purchase Covid-19 travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$20,000. - Mkini