BY James Kon

Starting today, the number of visitors per patient per day in hospitals is no longer limited.

However, only two visitors are allowed at one time per patient, and each visitor is required to show a negative antigen rapid test (ART) result on the same day.

Meanwhile, the issuance of self-isolation notice will be stopped and anyone with signs of infection but a negative ART result are advised to use the Self Certified Medical Leave (CSDS) or a sick leave letter from parents or guardians for students. The latest updates on the control measures for COVID-19 in the Sultanate was shared by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar during the weekly press conference.

Those who go to see a doctor and have no signs of infection, the minister said, “are not required to do an ART first”.

“However,” he added, “the ART is required for patients receiving dental treatment, patients undergoing certain medical procedures such as bronchoscopy and gastroscopy, patients seeking treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department in hospitals or patients admitted to the hospital.”

He reiterated, “The ART is also encouraged for patients at health centres showing signs of infection. Meanwhile, the PCR test will only be done for certain patients.”

Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham also reminded the public that positive ART results will still need to undergo self-isolation as per the Quarantine Order under the Infectious Diseases Act.

Meanwhile, hospital visits are only allowed during designated visiting hours, and visitors are not allowed to visit patients in the holding or isolation ward, the minister said. However, a caregiver may be allowed depending on the assessment and suitability of the patient’s condition.

Additionally, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to visit.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin