MOH: COVID-19 positive cases with mild or no symptoms are not required to go to CAC or wear a wristband

The Ministry of Health has announced that low-risk individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 with little or no symptoms are not required to go to the COVID-19 assessment centre (CAC). He said individuals with less severe COVID-19 symptoms are only required to isolate themselves at home and self-monitor with the MySejahtera’s Health Assessment Tool.

These individuals will be given a digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO) and they are not required to wear a wristband. The MySejahtera status will turn red which is an indication that you’re under Home Surveillance Order.

This is applicable only for individuals who are classified as category 1 (no symptoms) and 2A (mild symptoms) and are of lower risk (60 years old and below, and without comorbidities). To recap, COVID-19 category 2A are individuals with minor symptoms such as sore throat or flu without fever and without difficulty in breathing. Category 2A individuals may have no sense of taste or smell but still has a decent appetite to eat.

Meanwhile, Category 2B are individuals who have moderate symptoms which include prolonged fever of 2 days or more, chest pain, or having difficulty in breathing. You can refer to the differences between Category 2A and 2B below:

Fully vaccinated individuals without symptoms (Category 1) are only required to isolate themselves for 7 days. Meanwhile, individuals with symptoms (Category 2A and above) are required to be isolated for 10 days regardless of their vaccinated status.

If a person who is initially categorised as Category 1 and 2A suddenly report a deterioration of health, the Ministry will contact the individual to arrange for hospital admission. Depending on your daily health assessment report, the CAC may contact you for further assessment and confirmation. All high-risk individuals or individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms are encouraged to go to their nearest CAC. As of 7th February, there are 370 CACs operating at health and community clinics throughout the country.

Despite the rise of new cases due to the Omicron variant, 99% of recent daily cases are currently classified as Category 1 or 2, where individuals have less severe or no symptoms. Today, there are 11,034 new COVID-19 cases and 0.53% (58) are considered severe in Category 3, 4 and 5.

To reduce the severity of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health is urging everyone to get their boosters as soon as possible. Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has revealed that Sinovac recipients can make a direct booking for Sinovac boosters soon. He said despite the recommendation for them to get Pfizer boosters, there are still 3.5 million Sinovac recipients who have not gotten their booster shot. He also reminded that all senior citizens and all adults who have gotten Sinovac vaccines must get their booster by 1st March 2022 in order to retain their fully vaccinated status.

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