KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry (MoH) will allow patients in wards at its healthcare facilities to be accompanied by their caregivers and to receive visitors from this Saturday onwards.
In a statement today, MoH however said that the caregiver and visitor policy in MoH hospitals during the transition to endemic phase would be implemented based on certain criteria, subject to the capacities and capabilities of the hospitals and wards.
It said visitors and caregivers must be 12 years old and above, have completed Covid-19 vaccination, and do not belong to a high-risk group for Covid-19 infection.
“Caregivers of certain categories of patients who are required to undergo RTK-Ag tests must do so within 24 hours before arriving at the hospital. The date and time of the test together with a picture of the results must be included as proof,” said MoH.
They are also required to fill up Covid-19 declaration forms, comply with the standard operating procedures set, and wear personal protective equipment as prescribed.
MoH said caregivers or visitors of non-Covid-19 patients, including those who accompany pregnant mothers during labour, must undergo Covid-19 screening and test negative for the virus.
“Visits from family members of non-Covid-19 patients in the wards, intensive care units, or in critical condition (end of life) are allowed but are limited to two visitors at a time. Visitors are also encouraged to undergo Covid-19 tests prior to the visit.
“Only one caregiver is allowed to accompany non-Covid-19 patients at the outpatient and emergency departments. The caregivers are also encouraged to undergo self-testing before visiting the healthcare facilities,” the statement said.
For Covid-19 patients, the presence of a caregiver is only allowed for patients who require special care and children patients only.
For that purpose, caregivers are required to undergo self-tests and test negative for Covid-19, and must also repeat the test if they develop any symptoms and before they go home.
“No visitors are allowed for Covid-19 patients, except for end-of-life patients. Only two visitors are allowed at one time and they are encouraged to take RTK-Ag tests before visiting,” MoH said.
MoH also informed that in certain situations where the risk of Covid-19 transmission is high, the hospital can make adjustments to the existing policies to ensure the health and safety of all parties. – Bernama, April 21, 2022
