DON’T panic, stay home, keep hydrated and monitor for symptoms – this is the advice given by lawmaker Dr Kelvin Yii, who is warded at Sarawak General Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Bandar Kuching MP is the second parliamentarian to contract the disease after Sarikei’s Wong Ling Biu.

While his source of infection has yet to be confirmed, Dr Yii underwent voluntary testing after coming in close contact with Wong.

The Volgograd State Medical University graduate told The Malaysian Insight in an interview via WhatsApp that he has not experienced cough, fever or flu symptoms.

“So far, I have not shown any typical symptoms.

“This may be unusual, or maybe, I did suffer some minor symptoms that I was unaware of due to my hectic schedule. Naturally, I felt tired, but I assumed it was the workload rather than the virus.

“But it is more high-risk in patients who have pre-existing conditions. Since this is a new virus, doctors and researchers are still learning about its pathogenesis and behaviour, and so, we just have to take all the necessary precautions.”

Despite being asymptomatic, Dr Yii said he is being tested on a daily basis.

“For me, they do daily blood tests to monitor my blood count, LDH levels, and also to monitor for signs of an acute infection. They also did a chest X-ray to monitor my lungs, (to see) whether there are signs of pneumonia, which may be a complication from this virus.

“The hospital does multiple checks for my vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, SPO2 (blood oxygen level) and heart rate.

“Currently, I am not taking any specific medication, likely because I am asymptomatic. In general, the common approach to a virus is to stay hydrated and get good rest to boost our immune system.”

No visitors, no going out

Contrary to popular belief, Dr Yii believes that staying in an air-conditioned room is important as viruses and bacteria spread faster in warm temperatures.

“This is why isolation wards are normally air-conditioned. I am alone, and that is why I do not have to wear a mask in the ward.”

Since being admitted, the 33-year-old has neither received visitors nor is he allowed to leave his room.

“Nurses and doctors monitor me through the glass or the CCTV in my room. Only when they need to take my blood or inspect me do they come in wearing the full PPE (personal protective equipment) suit.”

On more aggressive testing measures, he said there are criteria for testing, and that not everyone needs to be tested.

So far, two prominent politicians have undergone testing for the coronavirus after coming in close contact with Dr Yii.

Umno’s Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who was at a forum with Dr Yii on March 12, yesterday said he tested negative.

The same day, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he is under self-quarantine and has gone for testing after meeting the Sarawak MP last week.

Dr Yii, who is also a member of the parliamentary budget select committee, said none of his close contacts has tested positive.

“All four of my assistants who were with me often tested negative, my parents tested negative, and many other MPs who were with me also tested negative.

“I am still waiting for some results, but at end of the day, precautions must be taken and adhered to.”

Asked how he is keeping himself occupied while warded, he said: “I spend a lot of time reading and replying messages and calls. I try to reply some emails as well.

“Yesterday, I was so bored that I counted all the tiles in the room and bathroom, as well as the windows and air-con units on the opposite building (viewed from the room).

“I try to stay productive, did some simple exercises, planking and all, as well. I also try to keep good personal hygiene, so I shower quite often in here.”

On when he will be discharged, Dr Yii said according to the doctor, he will likely be warded another week.

“After that, they will do another PCR test (to detect the virus’ genetic material) before deciding. They could either test directly for the virus, or even test for antibodies in my blood, as in general, the body will develop antibodies after recovering from an infection such as this.

“I believe that I am quarantined as a precautionary measure. While I may be less infectious as I’m asymptomatic, it does not mean I am 100% not infective.

“So, proper precautions have to be taken.” – March 20, 2020.