As the country has transitioned into its endemicity & following the downtrend in daily reported Covid-19 cases, relaxations of SOPs are expected.
Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin held a press conference yesterday evening (27 April) and revealed the new leniency which will begin next week. If you’ve missed the conference, fear not! We’ve got you covered! Here are the latest SOPs that were announced yesterday which will be effective 1 May 2022.
Home isolation for the diagnosed
By default, if you are tested positive for Covid-19, a home quarantine for 7 days is still a must. However, you may end your home isolation earlier if and only if your test result is negative on the 4th day. Do refer to the image below for the detailed procedure.
Mask off! (not entirely)
As some of the countries have completely lifted off the mask-on rule, some of us may have wondered if our country is bound to follow the same step. Here’s where you should keep your mask on.
The wearing of face masks is still compulsory in indoor settings, such as,
- Elevators, shopping malls, offices
- In public transport, including e-hailing rides
- Within classrooms
From 1 May onwards, you’re free to take off your mask when you’re outdoors. However, as the Covid-19 virus is still around, you are always encouraged to put on your mask, especially in crowded areas and if you’re at high risk of transmitting the virus to others. Here’s where you’re allowed to take off your mask.
- Outside your house or outside office buildings
- Parks, fields
- Bus stops
- Bridges & open-air walkways
During the live conference yesterday, Khairy did assure the people that everyone has the right to ask others to keep their masks on if they ever feel insecured.
So Long, MySejahtera check-ins
MySejahtera check-ins are not mandatory anymore. This is perhaps the most foreseeable change that we’re expected to experience starting on 1 May. Regardless of your vaccination status, your entry will be permitted to any premises and buildings.
However, despite this leniency, don’t delete your MySejahtera application just yet!
Premise owners are still required to check your risk status which is displayed on the homepage of the application. You will be denied from entering any premises and buildings if,
- You are Covid-19 positive with High-Risk status
- You are still in the midst of home isolation (HSO)
Do stay home & isolate yourself if you happen to be infected with the virus in order to prevent yourself from infecting others.
Social distancing no more
Starting from 1 May, you are no longer required to maintain a social distance from others. However, it is highly encouraged if you’re not wearing a mask. If you happen to feel unsafe, do put on your mask.
Inbound travellers
As the country’s borders are fully opened, incoming travellers are expected. However, from 1 May onwards, travellers who visit Malaysia are not required to undergo pre-departure & on-arrival Covid-19 tests IF they are fully vaccinated.
Children aged 12 and below are also exempted from the tests.
On the other hand, if the travellers are partially vaccinated OR not vaccinated, here’s what they should do.
- RT-PCR test to be taken 2 days prior to departure.
- Supervised RTK-AG test to be taken 24 hours before arrival.
- 5 days of self-isolation after entering the country.
All open soon!
Last but not least, some economic sectors have not been operating since the very 1st MCO back in March 2020. However, all economic sectors will be allowed to operate, including those that are listed under the negative lists by The National Security Council (MKN).
Unlike the other relaxations, these economic sectors will be allowed to open their doors again on 15 May 2022, instead of 1 May.
Do keep this list of relaxed SOPs for your reference which will be effective in just a matter of days. Once again, keep following the SOPs that have been set by the government in order to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Also read: Didn’t Get Covid? South Korean Doctor Says That’s Because You Have No Friends!
