A MOMENTARY lapse is all it takes for a person to become infected with Covid-19, said three people who paid a heavy price after being struck down with the virus despite thinking that they had followed the standard operating procedures (SOP) diligently.

Two of them were infected when eating out, while the other was infected during a hiking trip.

They told The Malaysian Insight that all they did was to take off their face mask for a short while, and that had proven to be disastrous.

They were also sorry that they had put their family members and friends at risk, with two of them passing the virus to others.

Gerakan public services and complaints bureau chief Henry Teoh said he had been conscious about the possibility of contracting the virus due to his constant contact with the public, and had been screened every two weeks.

Yet, despite this, Teoh believed he contracted the virus after eating at a restaurant.

“I wore my face mask while talking to a friend during the meal. The three of us sat at a table that was big enough to ensure social distancing,” Teoh said.

Prior to eating there, Teoh said one of the restaurant workers had already been infected.

He said that although the infected worker was not on duty and other workers were scheduled to be tested, the restaurant remained open.

“This led to all three of us becoming infected. Since then, the restaurant has been closed and has been disinfected by the Ministry of Health,” said Teoh.

Teoh said he developed a fever and began coughing a day after eating at the restaurant.

After taking some medicine, Teoh felt that his condition had improved but on the fourth day, he felt tired and his throat started to become sore.

“I immediately went to get tested and it was confirmed that I was infected.”

Teoh then moved into a hotel to isolate himself and informed the Ministry of Health.

“Fortunately, I had already started wearing a mask at home and slept in the living room once I felt ill. I also told my family members to minimise contact with me and ensured there was sufficient ventilation at home.

“I was diagnosed on April 23, and went to the hotel the next day. After that, I was admitted to the Serdang Agricultural Expo (MAEPS) low-risk isolation centre.

“I’m sorry that I infected an auto mechanic who serviced my car without using a mask. I asked him to get tested immediately after I was diagnosed. The result was positive, but he had no symptoms beforehand,” said the politician.

During his isolation, Teoh came across a patient who had concealed his condition for fear of being sent to the hospital.

“The nurse was very angry when he found out and ordered him to inform the medical staff about his condition.

“He was sent to Sungai Buloh Hospital intensive care unit when his lung infection worsened.”

Teoh was allowed to return home after he recovered on May 7.

Prior to the infection, Teoh said he did not fully understand the dangers of Covid-19.

He said people should be forthright if they have contracted the virus, and also warned against eating out.

“Put on a mask if you’re talking after a meal,” said Teoh.

Serious consequences

Astrology master Desmond Chun was also infected while dining out, and had also infected his son. His wife and six-month-old daughter were fortunately spared.

“I quarantined myself at home after I was diagnosed and followed the instructions issued by the Ministry of Health.

“It has been 20 days since I was diagnosed, and I have now recovered. The only discomfort I feel is when I breathe deeply. The doctor said my condition will improve in one month,” said Chun.

Chun said he went for a Covid-19 test after suffering from fever, cough and cold.

He said he initially thought it was a minor problem but, after testing positive, he ensured the rest of his family were tested. His son was positive but was asymptomatic.

During the quarantine period, Chun was told to avoid cold food items and drink at least three litres of water a day, together with Vitamin C to boost his immunity.

After the experience, Chun said he has stopped eating out.

“Many people delay treatment because they are worried about the diagnosis. If you have a fever, you must see a doctor immediately.”

Meanwhile, lawyer Daniel Lai said he contracted the virus while on a hiking trip with a group of about 10 friends.

“Two days later, one of them told me he had tested positive for Covid-19 and advised me to go for a test.

“My fever began immediately after the test came back positive. The diagnosis was confirmed after the second test.

“The Ministry of Health said that I belong in the high-risk group as I have diabetes and that I must be isolated at a quarantine centre, not at home.” Lai said.

He said the screening, blood test, and temperature reading were performed again in the isolation centre, and everything was arranged to move into a low-risk quarantine centre.

When asked how he was infected while climbing outdoors, he said that he had taken off his mask.

“The next day my friend called to tell me of his diagnosis. I was very angry at the time but realised I had to go for the test immediately.

“During the quarantine at home, my wife gave me food. I warned my wife and three daughters not to leave the room. Five days later, the ambulance took me to the quarantine centre.

“At first, I felt worried when I arrived. Later I met other confirmed patients and started talking, and I gradually got used to the environment.”

Lai said he has decided to put off his hiking trips for a while until the pandemic situation improves.

“This time, I will not take off my mask. I will only drink water when I reach the top of the mountain.

“I will also remind myself not to rub my eyes or pick my nose,” he added. – May 20, 2021.