Health Tips

Oh no! I got this notification while scrolling through MySejahtera app. What should I do? Should I worry?

We understand your concerns regarding this outbreak. However, let us understand the difference between casual contact and close contact first.

Casual contact vs close contact

Close contact - Individuals directly in contact with Covid-19 positive cases over the last 14 days

• Less than 1 metre apart
• Making physical contact with a Covid-19 positive case 
• Seated less than 1 metre in public spaces such as office, classroom, place of worship, restaurants for more than 15 minutes
• Travellers on the same trip and seated nearby with the positive Covid-19 case throughout the journey
• Living in the same household or shared accommodation as the confirmed Covid-19 case
• Healthcare staff who treated a confirmed Covid-19 case while not wearing the complete personal protective equipment (PPE)

Casual contact - Individuals been in contact with the Covid-19 positive cases, but are

• More than 2 meters apart
• Less than 15 minutes 

Am I still at risk?

As a casual contact, the risk of contracting Covid-19 is low.

Do I need to take a swab and be quarantined?

You do not have to take a Covid swab unless you have symptoms. Casual contacts do not need to be excluded from work/school and do not need to quarantine.

What should I do now?

You have to fill in the daily health assessment in MySejahtera apps for 14 days. You should closely monitor your symptoms during this period. If you have the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital for further test:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Lethargy
• Shortness of breath

Stay safe and comply to the SOP. We are all in this together to combat Covid-19.

References:

1. When are you a Covid-19 close contact? The Health Ministry explains | Malay Mail

Image credit:

1. http://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm-news/images/2020/08/covid-19-contact-tracing.jpg
2. https://i.postimg.cc/6q1YHPpd/7084-ABDA-50-D3-4-D5-E-A84-A-95501-FC436-B5.jpg
3. https://cilisos.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/casual-contact-meme.jpg
4. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/80/51/05/8051053677923e8d595c618f42e53866.gif

Written by

Dr Amirah Ekhsan