Malaysia: Authorities announce extension of COVID-19 restrictions until December 31 /update 25

Event

Malaysian authorities have announced that restrictions in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are to remain in place until December 31. A recovery movement control order (MCO) has been extended, permitting the government to quickly handle localized outbreaks of the disease. A ban on foreign tourists entering the country has also been extended until the end of the year.

International borders remain closed and entry into Malaysia is prohibited, except for Malaysian nationals and non-citizens holding certain categories of resident and employment passes or granted special entry. All arrivals must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a government facility. Individuals may be required to take a COVID-19 test on arrival and on completion of quarantine.

Most economic and social activity has resumed in Malaysia, although nightclubs and pubs remain closed. Face masks are mandatory in busy public spaces and on public transport.

As of Friday, August 28, there have been 9306 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Malaysia and 125 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. 
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.