KUALA LUMPUR – Covid-19 swab tests will not be performed on everyone in the country, only those who fulfil certain requirements.
In a written parliamentary reply on November 30, the Health Ministry said swab tests will not be made compulsory for all, including those from the B40.
“These tests are best performed when there is a strong indication of a need or requirement to do so,” it said.
It added that it does not only conduct screenings on patients under investigation (PUIs) but also via surveillance on the public.
When comparing the results of such screenings, the ministry found a high positivity rate (2.47%) among PUIs and those selected under contact tracing.
Meanwhile, the positivity rate among those tested through the ministry's surveillance activities is only at 0.23%.
“The targeted approach used mainly involves contact tracing and those that satisfy the criteria of high-risk individuals, and the tests conducted on them is free.
“This approach guarantees that resources are managed efficiently.”
This was in response to a question by Datuk Seri Rohani Karim (GPS-Batang Lupar) to the Health Ministry in Parliament.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is currently the most expensive test, with a long waiting period for results. However, it has an almost 100% accuracy rate.
Meanwhile, the cheaper Antigen Rapid Test Kits (RTK-AG) are also available for screening, and the Health Ministry assures it carries an accuracy rate of up to 90%.
Recently, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran implemented a nationwide initiative on November 24 that allowed anyone in the country to access RTK-AG tests at selected clinics for RM70 each. – The Vibes, December 7, 2020
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