THOSE under home surveillance after returning from abroad must not remove their wristbands until their quarantine period is over, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said today.

The wristbands, which is for monitoring purposes, can only be removed by authorised health personnel, the director-general of health said.

The wristbands are for overseas returnees who have tested negative for Covid-19. They will also be issued an authorisation letter to undergo home surveillance and a home assessment. Testing is done at international entry points.

They will also be required to download the MySejahtera application. 

“The wristband has to be worn throughout the home surveillance period. Action will be taken against those who remove the wristband before the end of the surveillance and observation period,” he added. 

Those who breach the order can be penalised under Section 24 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
He also reminded those quarantined at home to comply with the ministry’s orders, which includes staying at home throughout the period, isolating themselves from the rest of the family, maintaining good hygiene and not sharing personal items with the rest of the family. 

Family members were also reminded to ensure the individuals comply with the standard operating procedures. 

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob previously said those who remove their wristbands would be liable to a RM1,000 compound and face prosecution. – June 13, 2020.