KOTA BARU: 26 patients in Kelantan were quarantined in a precautionary measure against the Covid-19 outbreak as of yesterday.
State health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said some of the patients under investigation (PUIs) were quarantined at Raja Perempuan Zainab II (RPZII) Hospital while the rest at their respective homes.
He said the number was recorded since January this year.
"Those who have symptoms of Covid-19, had previously travelled to countries affected by the outbreak within 14 days and also had close contact with those confirmed as having the virus, will be warded.
"Travellers who had fewer signs of having the virus but had history of visiting Covid-19 outbreak countries are ordered to quarantine themselves at home," he said in a statement.
Out of the 26 patients, Dr Zaini said 20 of them tested negative while the remaining six were still waiting for the results of their clinical samples (throat swabs).
"So far, no Covid-19 positive cases have been reported in Kelantan.
"During the period, state health officers also took 42 clinical samples (throat swabs) from other travellers but they were all negative for Covid-19.
"The samples were sent for Covid-19 validation tests separately at the Kota Baru Public lab in Perol and to RPZII," he said.
Asked whether screening against travellers passing the state's checkpoints were still being carried out, Dr Zaini said the checks using thermal scanners continued as usual.
"At the moment, no record of clinical samples were taken from both Malaysians and foreign travellers at the three border checkpoints," he said.