With the introduction of the new Omicron version, Malaysia has issued new COVID-19 restrictions. The country has chosen to go ahead and ban large gatherings, while also requiring booster shots for those who are at high risk of contracting the virus. Officials from the Malaysian Ministry of Health, Jamaluddin, stated in a statement that they are also seeking to confirm the existence of 18 further suspected instances of the variation. The first instance of the new virus in the country was recorded earlier this month, and it was caused by a visitor who had arrived from South Africa. Malaysia has now decided to prohibit large-scale New Year’s celebrations. Those who are attending private New Year’s and Christmas parties, on the other hand, should have their COVID-19 self-tests completed.
Additionally, persons over the age of 60, as well as those who have previously received the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccination, are required to receive a booster dose by the end of February. This will ensure that their vaccinated status maintains the maximum level of protection. Singapore has also decided to pursue a policy along the same lines as the United States. Furthermore, researchers have recommended people to have a third dose of the vaccine because, according to tests, antibodies produced by Sinovac and BioNTech are capable of protecting against the new type of Omicron virus.
Malaysia likely to reopen to international travellers from January 1
Foreign visitors from eight countries in Southern Africa have now been temporarily barred from entering the nation, according to official information. Furthermore, nine countries, including India, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, have been designated as high-risk. Arrivals from these countries must be subjected to mandatory quarantine and must also have digital tracking devices installed on their person or luggage. Malaysia is a prominent tourist destination in Asia, but the new COVID-19 variation has made it difficult for the country to maintain its tourism industry, as has been the case in most other regions of the world as a whole.
