SHAH ALAM – The Rapid Test Kit-Antigen and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests to detect Covid-19 infections are effective in detecting the Omicron variant of the virus, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said he was informed of this by experts from the Institute of Medical Research, but tests are still being conducted to know more about the variant.
“The RT-PCR test should be okay. In terms of effectiveness, we are still studying it, but so far, it is able to detect the Omicron variant,” he said at a press conference after an appreciation event held for officers and staff of the National Health Institute here today.
He said a further study on the variant does not only involve detection tests, but also the effectiveness of vaccines.
“We will be getting reports in a week or two from the vaccine manufacturers that are conducting research on the effectiveness of vaccines against this variant.
“The third thing we should look into, is the ferocity of the Omicron variant. Early reports from South Africa, which has a low vaccination rate, show that the Omicron has only caused moderate symptoms. There are some good news, but again, we don’t really know and we have to wait and see,” he said.
Khairy also said it is too early to expect the movement control order (MCO) to be reimposed, following the emergence of Omicron.
“It is too early to talk about it. The public gets angry when they hear (about) MCO. Our researchers are looking into this,” he added.
On the travel bubble, and the need for home quarantine – and at hotels, for travellers returning from any country categorised as risky – he said these would be discussed with the health director-general this afternoon.
“We have several options to consider so that we can tighten our borders,” he said.
On the Vaccinated Travel Lane, Khairy said the matter is still being discussed with Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei, considering the emergence of the new variant.
Meanwhile on standard operating procedures for the Sarawak election, Khairy said more information on this matter will be obtained tomorrow and an announcement will be made soon. – Bernama, November 29, 2021
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