FOURTEEN days of quarantine are compulsory for those identified as close contacts of a Covid-19 patient, said director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

This was because a quarter of people in quarantine did not show infection in the first test on the first day of their isolation period but tested positive for the virus in the second test on the 13th day, he said in a virtual press conference today.

“Even if the first test is negative, there is a possibility of getting a positive result in the next test.

“So we have to make sure the 25% who fall into this category don’t miss quarantine.”

He said those identified as close contacts by the Health Ministry will be ordered to quarantine at home for two weeks. They would also be issued a pink wristband to wear during the period.

“The ministry would monitor them for a period of 14 days,” he said.

Close contacts are defined as people who have been exposed to a confirmed patient. Exposure means they have been less than a metre from the patient, have had  body contact with the patient without the protection of a mask or gloves, or an infected person has coughed in their direction.

Malaysia today reported 629 new infections, 489 or 77.7% of the cases in Sabah.

Six deaths occurred in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 176. – October 16, 2020.