The Malaysian Insight

PEOPLE attending Christmas and New Year gatherings should carry out RTK-Antigen self-tests before doing so, director-general of health Nor Hisham Abdullah said today.

This, he said, is to ensure that everyone is safe.

“To those who would like to go on house-to-house visits during Christmas and the year-end holiday, they are advised to carry out RTK-Ag self-tests beforehand,” he said in a tweet.

“Make sure that you and those around you are safe during Christmas and New Year.”

Previously, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said small private gatherings to celebrate Christmas or New Year would be allowed only if those attending have carried out self-tests beforehand. 

Covid-19 cases have trended above 3,000 in the last four days. As of noon today, 3,528 new infections were reported. 

In another tweet, Noor Hisham said psychological and emotional help will be provided to flood victims housed in relief centres.

He said counsellors and staff from the Sepang health district, Dengkil health clinic, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia and volunteers from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia have been mobilised. 

“The victims are not only affected by the loss of belongings but some even lost family members. If their emotions remain unchecked, they will be putting their mental health at risk,” he said. 

Noor Hisham said relief centre staff have been told to monitor and identify victims who exhibit psychological trauma. 

He also advised all those who are affected by the floods to pay attention to their health for fear of having contracted water-borne diseases from polluted water and soil. – December 24, 2021.