[UPDATED] Govt delays plans to move into endemic phase: Hishammuddin

KUALA LUMPUR – The government has postponed its plans to move the country into the endemic phase of the Covid-19 National Recovery Plan, pending more information on the Omicron variant of concern, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

In a statement, he said the government will also tighten border controls for countries that have reported the spread of the new variant.

“The Health Ministry will announce the matter in detail soon,” Hishammuddin said. 

“So far, the government has taken note that this variant is not only spreading in the south of the African continent but also countries such as Italy, Denmark, Australia, United Kingdom, Belgium, and Hong Kong.”

He said following the emergence of the variant, the standard operating procedures for states that are in Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the NRP will remain.

Hishamuddin said this after holding a meeting to discuss the emergence of the Omicron variant.

“We also understand that the Omicron is of risk as it can spread easier and faster, but it can still be detected through existing lab tests.

“For now, the Health Ministry is closely monitoring (the situation) and all members of the Quartet meeting today were given a briefing by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on the immediate action taken by the ministry, and the approach it will take with regard to this new variant.”

Hishammuddin said the Health Ministry has taken precautionary steps such as prohibiting Malaysians from travelling to South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

He said non-citizens with travel history to these countries within the last 14 days were also prevented from entering Malaysia.

The minister also said Malaysians and those with permanent residence status who returned are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival regardless of their vaccination status. They were also not allowed to self-quarantine at home, he said. – The Vibes, November 30, 2021