PUTRAJAYA – The Health Ministry is looking into the possibility of allowing Covid-19 patients to observe self-isolation, instead of sending them to quarantine and low-risk treatment centres (PKRCs) or hospitals.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that before this is done, there are several criteria that must be fulfilled.
“Firstly, we must see and evaluate the appropriateness of the patient’s home, rooms and bathrooms, and so on,” he said during his daily press conference.
“Secondly, we must appraise the self-assessment tool and how health workers can monitor the health of patients while they are at home.”
However, Dr Noor Hisham said the matter is merely a possibility, as the main policy of placing patients under quarantine at isolation centres or hospitals is still in place.
With the spike in cases among workers, Dr Noor Hisham said the ministry is also looking into converting workers hostels for use as quarantine centres as it did for Level One and Level Two cases from the Teratai cluster in Kuala Lumpur.
He added that this is to reduce congestion at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) PKRC, which is currently operating at 50% capacity.
His remarks came after concerns were raised over patients testing positive but not being taken to hospitals by ambulances immediately, with some waiting up to days to be transported.
Dr Noor Hisham said this is due to the increase in of case recently, especially in the Klang Valley, which has been affected by logistical issues.
“We advise those infected to remain at home, and ensure you isolate yourself at home.
“Ensure you do not mingle with other family members. Wait until district health officers come to fetch you.” – The Vibes, December 28, 2020
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