Malaysian Couple Returning from Umrah Test Positive for Omicron
Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman R. Vidyananthan said the duo left for pilgrimage on Dec 4 and returned to Malaysia on Dec 16 via the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
"They did their RT-PCR test at the airport arrival hall and their result on Dec 18 showed they were positive for COVID-19.
"They were told to isolate at home in Johor Baru and their close contacts have been identified and instructed to isolate and observe in their respective homes.
"The couple’s PCR results were also sent to the Institute of Medical Research where a genome sequencing process confirmed that it was the Omicron variant," he said in a statement on Sunday (Dec 26).
Following this, the Johor Health Department reminded those who returned from overseas, especially the Umrah pilgrimage, to obey the mandatory quarantine order as stipulated, he added.
Vidyananthan advised returnees to remain in a separate room at home and refrain from meeting other family members or other individuals during the quarantine period.
The failure to adhere to the quarantine order could cause the disease, including the Omicron variant, to spread among family members and the community, he said.
"The Health Department also reminded those celebrating the year-end festivities such as Christmas and New Year to undergo COVID-19 RTK-Ag self-test before gathering for events as well as before visiting loved ones.
"It is best to keep the events or gatherings brief and with lesser people at any one time.
"Although the majority of people in Johor have been fully-vaccinated against COVID-19, we should all continue to comply with the standard operating procedures of wearing a proper facemask, social distancing and ensuring good personal hygiene," he said.
Source: The Star
