HSO will no longer be issued to Covid-19 patients, says Health Minister

PETALING JAYA: Covid-19 positive individuals will no longer be under Home Surveillance Order (HSO), says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

In a parliamentary written reply dated July 4, Dzulkefly said the ministry had reviewed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and guidelines on living with Covid-19.

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“Covid-19 positive individuals will be treated the same way as any other respiratory infections and will no longer be given HSO,” he said.

He however acknowledged that positive individuals will still be able to spread the virus to others.

Therefore, he said the individual must exercise their social responsibility by remaining at home when positive for the coronavirus, observing public health preventive measures and avoiding close interactions with others if they have to go out of their homes and seek treatment if the symptoms deteriorate.

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“Medical certificates and hospital referrals will be given based on the evaluation of a medical officer,” he said.

Those who are close contacts with a Covid-19 positive patient must monitor their symptoms and health.

Covid-19 positive individuals must also wear a face mask, reduce interactions and avoid crowded spaces.

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Those who experience respiratory symptoms must also wear a face mask while being at a healthcare facility, crowded places or spaces with poor ventilation.

Similarly, healthcare workers must wear a face mask at a healthcare facility and when dealing with patients.

He was responding to a question by Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (Perikatan Nasional-Kuala Langat) on the preparations done by the ministry in view of the rising Covid-19 cases in Singapore.