In a statement today, health deputy director-general (public health) Dr Chong Chee Kheong, who heads the Greater Klang Valley Special Task Force, said patients in these categories should undergo home isolation and remote surveillance instead.
The virtual CACs were set up after a public backlash on overcrowded assessment centres due to the current surge of Covid-19 positive cases in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
The CACs were originally set up to assess positive Covid-19 patients on whether or not they should self-isolate at home, be sent to the Covid-19 quarantine and low-risk treatment centres (PKRC) or receive treatment at a hospital.
But with the virtual CACs, there is no need to leave their home. People who have tested positive for Covid-19 need only follow the guidelines provided.
Chong said close contacts of Covid-19 patients are also required to self-isolate at home with no need for testing unless they too have symptoms.
He added that all Covid-19 patients who are self-isolating must complete the Home Assessment Tool (HAT) found in the MySejahtera application on a daily basis.
The guidelines will take effect immediately for Covid-19 positive patients with mild or no symptoms, as follows:
- Immediately self-isolate at home.
- Download the MySejahtera application to report their Covid-19 positive test result and receive their Digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO). The digital HSO also serves as a reminder that they are still legally under the HSO although they are not wearing a pink tag.
- Complete the Home Assessment Tool (HAT) found in the MySejahtera application on a daily basis.
- The patient’s self-assessments will be monitored through the Virtual CAC Management Module within the eCovid-19 system. They will be contacted by the CAC Call Centre should the need arise.
- Patients who are required to visit the nearest CAC for a clinical assessment will be notified via the MySejahtera application or call centre.
- If a patient finds that their symptoms are getting worse, they should seek immediate care at the nearest hospital instead of waiting for a call from the Virtual CAC.
Patients in need of assistance may reach the CAC call centre at 03-7723 9299 (open 8am-9pm daily) or the CPRC Hotline at 03-7723 9300 (open 8am-12 midnight daily).
Chong said the implementation of the new guidelines and virtual CACs will decongest physical CACs, improve patient waiting time, and ensure early monitoring for all Covid-19 cases.
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