KUCHING: All overseas travellers will now have to undergo body temperature screening upon their arrival at Sarawak’s international point of entry.
According to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), those with fever or symptoms through self-declaration or self-referral or referred by the flight crew will be given a slip for a Covid-19 test at a private or government clinic.
On top of that, a swab test is required to be taken within 48 hours.
“If the traveller tested positive for Covid-19, he or she will undergo quarantine at the accommodation premises and be managed in accordance with the Guidelines for the Management of Covid-19 in Malaysia No.5/2020 (Annex 2: Management of Suspected, Probable and Confirmed COVID-19 – kk 05/04/2022).
“Meanwhile, if the traveller tested negative for the Covid-19 but has symptoms, he or she will be advised to wear a face mask, especially when in public places, gatherings, crowded places,” it added in a statement yesterday (Jan 13).
It clarified that it decided to implement the preparedness strategy outlined by the Ministry of Health on Jan 6 after assessing the Covid-19 situation and the increase in the number of individuals who have completed vaccination in Sarawak.
The SDMC also explained that the protection provided by the Covid-19 vaccine will decrease after a certain period and that it also depends on the variant type.
Therefore, the Health Ministry strongly encourages those at high risk to get themselves vaccinated to reduce the probability of severe infections and death.
As such, it said that those who have yet completed the primary dose or booster dose can make an appointment through MySejahtera or contact the nearest health clinic.
In light of this, to encourage the uptake of vaccines, MOH is also offering walk-in vaccinations (without the need to make an appointment in advance) at health clinics and the ministry’s hospitals starting Jan 9 to those with comorbidities including chronic diseases, senior citizens aged 60 years and above, and individuals at risk of severe symptoms and complications of Covid-19 infection.
“Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) antiviral drug treatment is also provided to patients according to established guidelines.
“For this purpose, the MOH always ensures the availability of antivirals in all health facilities, identified by the Ministry,” it said.
SDMC said that in addition to the strategy outlined by the MOH, the public is advised to adopt a healthy and safe lifestyle to avoid the danger of infection with Covid-19 and other infectious diseases.
“It is recommended to always practise TRIIS (Test, Report, Isolate, Inform, Seek). For those at high risk, including individuals with comorbidities, it is highly recommended to wear a face mask, especially in crowded areas or places, such as large gatherings. Those with symptoms are also encouraged to wear a face mask and carry out a self-test for Covid-19,” it added.
