Dzulkefly urges mass Covid-19 antibody tests to help restart economy

Sheridan Mahavera Sheridan Mahavera Updated 4 years ago · Published on 11 Apr 2020 7:00AM · 4 Comments

Former health minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad says recovered Covid-19 patients have antibodies against the virus, as do some people who got infected but did not fall sick. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, April 11, 2020.

MASS testing for coronavirus antibodies should be rolled out to get more people back to work and revive the battered economy, said a former health minister.

Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who initially led Malaysia’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, told The Malaysian Insight that such tests will identify those with antibodies – blood proteins produced by the body in response to infections – against the virus.

These serological tests cost about RM20 per person, compared to Covid-19 tests that are between RM380 and RM700, said the minister under the previous Pakatan Harapan administration.

“The most optimal way forward is to test for both; those who have the virus and those who have antibodies,” said Dr Dzulkefly, who now heads a special coronavirus task force in Selangor.

“Since we are all concerned about the impact of the virus on the economy, and the fact that companies need to start earning revenue again to pay their workers, mass antibody testing is the way to go.

“I hope the federal government can consider this, or if Selangor can lead the way.”

He said recovered Covid-19 patients have antibodies against the virus, as do some people who got infected but did not fall sick.

“These individuals will be able to return to normal work. They can help restart operations at their companies, or if they are daily wage workers, earn an income again.”

Businesses and workers are worried about the economic fallout from Covid-19 and the ensuing movement-control order (MCO) to curb infections.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday announced that the MCO will be extended till April 28.

The restriction order, which took effect on March 18, has shut down most of the economy as only a handful of essential services are allowed to operate.

As of yesterday, Malaysia recorded 4,346 coronavirus cases with 70 deaths.

Public health officials in the US, where 17 million workers have lost their jobs due to lockdowns, are also considering antibody testing to jump-start the economy. – April 11, 2020.

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Comments

  • Great Dzulkifli, mass testing for antibodies and allowed those immuned to be back to work. Only PH leaders have the foresight to lead the people. PN will ask u to drink more warm water to avoid COVID attacked? A qualified doctor said so! All are qualified doctors but only some have good brains.

    Posted 4 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • Dzul what antibodies are you talking about??? Get everyone in Selangor to be tested as declared earlier if you cant get that of the ground than it is best to keep silent

    Posted 4 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply

  • I would agree with Dzulkefly Ahmada coronavirus to reconsider the continual shutdown has caused everyones loss of quality of life and the economic shutdown.

    Posted 4 years ago by Yohanes Siew · Reply

  • I would put my utmost trust in Nor Hisham than Dzulkefly, the nonsense

    Posted 4 years ago by Ty Tiko · Reply