Reminder: Self-test before returning to work or school

SHAH ALAM - It’s obvious amidst all the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities, some might forget to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that should be practiced to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic thus employees have been advised to self-test themselves before returning to their daily routines such as school and work.

Occupational Health, Emergency and Public Health Specialist Dr Hanafiah Bashirun has proposed this, stating that every single person should have a sense of social responsibility in maintaining the safety and health of themselves, their families and everyone around them were virus-free.

“Students, teachers and lecturers who will return to schools and universities should all do screening tests.

“If they are found to be positive with Covid-19, they must undergo self-quarantine at home until their result turns negative and only then return the their educational institution.

“Do the test. This is what’s called the transition to the endemic phase where everyone plays their role and social responsibility to stop the spread of Covid-19 to others,” he told Sinar.

On Monday, the Health Ministry has stated that the Covid-19 positive cases would likely increase following the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration but will mostly be in category one and two; asymptomatic or mild symptoms.

Dr Hanafiah said the Covid-19 screening test should be done after returning home from celebrating Eid to avoid risking certain community groups if they were found to be positive.

“Besides that, if the capacity of the workplace makes it difficult for physical distancing or necessary to meet in public daily, do a self-test first.

“If it is difficult to do physical distancing at work such as in a factor or one with poor office ventilations, wear a face mask during office hours at all times.

“This needs to be done to avoid getting infected or indirectly bring their virus home,” he said.

Dr Hanafiah agreed with the ministry’s prediction, stating that it was bound to happen following the movements of people celebrating Syawal.

“I am sure that many people do not wear their face masks when visiting home during Hari Raya and this increases its probability of Covid cases.

“They are lightly to experience category one or two only as most cases now is the Omicron variant, which is indeed a super-spreader but not as aggressive and high-risk like the Delta or Beta variant.

“As most people are fully vaccinated, the complications too are less likely to be as severe as before,” he added.