PETALING JAYA: People returning from Sabah should undergo quarantine in designated quarantine centres instead of at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19, says the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM).

“It has been proven in other countries, such as China and Singapore where compliance rates are high, that home quarantines are not as effective in curbing the spread of the virus.

“Everyone who visited a red zone during the election period should undergo the 14-day quarantine in a quarantine centre.

“If home surveillance orders are to be followed, there must be equal enforcement and accountability of the persons-under-investigation, ” it said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 3).

AMM also said that while it supported the government’s decision to enforce mandatory testing for Sabah returnees, it urged that tests on returnees not be limited to a single test, especially if it involved the antigen rapid test kit (RTK).

“The RTK tests have 85% sensitivity and may produce a false-negative result.

“Those who were in the red zones during the election should obtain an RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) swab test and again undergo testing on the 13th day of quarantine, ” it said.

AMM urged Malaysians to remain calm and united to flatten the curve once again and for everyone from all levels of society to comply with the standard operating procedures.

“Everyone must learn to balance living with Covid-19 with other aspects of public life, such as education, economic activities, social and religious practices and democratic rights.

“Maintaining a strong economy and a healthy society during the pandemic are not mutually exclusive.

“The economy will not recover if our infection rates continue to grow. Conversely, health outcomes will also be affected if our economy is not doing well, ” it said.

Besides wearing a face mask and maintaining hand hygiene and physical distancing, AMM urged that public gatherings be delayed, be it political or otherwise.

The AMM encompasses 11 medical colleges in the country and is a registered body representing medical specialists.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/10/03/sabah-returnees-should-be-quarantined-in-designated-centres-says-amm