Mask up as Omicron XE is on its way here, says medical body

SHAH ALAM - Just as things were beginning to look normal again, doctors are warning over a new Covid-19 variant to hit Malaysian gates after borders reopened on April 1.

Malaysia Medical Association (MMA) President, Dr Koh Kar Chai said Omicron XE is on its way to Malaysia and are advising Malaysians to mask up.

"Given that our borders are now open to international travellers, there is a high likelihood that the Omicron XE variant will soon be here in Malaysia."

"So far there is no evidence that the Omicron XE variant evades vaccination, causes severe illness or causes death and the WHO has not classified Omicron XE as a variant of concern." he said in a statement.

Dr Koh advised the public to be cautious while continuing the current SOPs.

"New variants will still be detected in the near future, such is the nature of this virus. The public is advised to gather necessary knowledge to self regulate." he said.

Wearing face mask remains compulsory especially in indoors.

"Although we may be transitioning into endemic phae, there will still be a need to wear facemasks especially indoors."

"N95, K95, K94 or medical grade 3 ply masks when worn properly are effective in preventing transmission. Cloth masks when used together with three ply masks have been shown to be effective too." he added.

SIRIM, the national certification body, certified masks for non medical face masks will assure facemask adhere to relevant standards.

Symptoms of Omicron XE are reported to be mostly mild, but we will need to look at the data as it evolves.

"Until we see a downward trend of cases, current SOPs especially facemasks are still needed." Dr Koh said.

Recently the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a warning against a new Covid-19 variant, Omicron XE. The World Health Organisation had said it is tracking recombinant Covid-19 variants including Omicron XE hybrid that is slightly more transmissible than its Omicron parent.

In Malaysia, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that Malaysia has not recorded any cases of Omicron XE.

Despite the downward trend of Omicron cases, experts have warned that the Omicron XE could be well on its way to Malaysia, what more with the borders reopened.