Malaysia's health minister Khairy Jamaluddin appeared in a press release to declare Malaysia's next course of action in preventing the spread of COVID-19's latest and possibly deadliest mutation yet— the Omicron variant.
Here is the content of the press release:
1. WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR ABOUT THE OMICRON VARIANT:
• A full list of countries reported to have detected cases of Omicron variant so far:
• Based on current findings, Omicron may have mutated from an immunocompromised Covid-19 positive individual.
• This particular variant has been found to spread even more rapidly than its previous counterparts.
• Early findings suggest that this variant may increase the risk of re-infection compared to other variants
• It's too early to conclude whether existing vaccines will work against Omicron or vice versa.
2. TEMPORARY TRAVEL RESTRICTION
• Direct and transit flight restrictions will be imposed on Non-Malaysians travelling from high-risk countries that have Omicron reported cases.
• List of banned countries:
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Zimbabwe
- Malawi
• This restriction will also be imposed on Non-Malaysians whose traveling history includes any of the aforementioned countries within 14 days before arrival.
• No restriction for Malaysians and long-term visit pass holders. However, they are required to undergo 14-day quarantine regardless of vaccination status.
• They are also required to take RT-PCR Test 72 hours before departure, then at the international entrance at the airport, and on their 10th day of quarantine.
• Malaysians travelers planning to travel to Omicron variant detected countries will be asked to cancel their trip.
• Regarding Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) Malaysia-Singapore, travelers are advised to take the COVID-19 self-test kit on the third and seventh day after arrival.
3. RE-STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL BORDER RESTRICTION
• The use of the autogate system at the immigration department is hereby temporarily disabled.
• A designated lane will be implemented for travelers returning from Omicron-detected countries
4. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND IMMIGRANT WORKERS
• Admission of international students and immigrant workers from Omicron-detected countries to be postponed temporarily.
5. LANGKAWI TRAVEL BUBBLE
• Those coming from Omicron-detected countries are prohibited from joining the program.
• Malaysians from Langkawi returning from Omicron-detected countries are required to undergo the 14-day quarantine
• Omicron variant positive international tourists in Langkawi will be referred to private hospitals and all medical costs are to be borne by them personally.
Our battle against COVID-19 is far from over. Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin advised the public to comply with the SOPs, practice social distancing and accept booster shots when offered. If you find yourself experiencing COVID-19 systems, do isolate and take a self-test kit.
Stay safe, everyone.
Source: KKM Putrajaya
