KUCHING: The state Health Department has advised individuals who are feeling unwell to avoid attending any gatherings, meetings, conferences or religious events.
These are among the recommendations from the department in view of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic — it was suggested during the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) meeting yesterday.
The department advised any staff or participants who fell sick or unwell during any event, to leave immediately and seek appropriate medical attention.
“Individuals under home quarantine should not attend any such function or event. They are strongly advised to remain at home and minimise their time spent in public places.
“All should remain vigilant and practise good personal hygiene such as washing their hands regularly and avoid touching their faces.
“Avoid shaking hands or any other physical contact with other participants and consider adopting alternative greetings,” the department said, noting that there was no need for any individual who are well to wear face masks.
Meanwhile, the department also suggested that in organising any event, the organisers or the secretariat should take the following necessary precautionary measures.
Among the measures listed are that all participants with respiratory symptoms be given face masks prior to coming in; deny entry to those who are unwell; hand sanitisers must be provided; carry out temperature screening if possible; and they must maintain a registration list of all participants.
Apart from that, they must increase the frequency of cleaning of all commonly used areas like washrooms, registration and payment counters and dining areas.
For the public transport sector, the department advised that buses, taxis and all other vehicles must be frequently cleaned with detergent or spray.
For schools and classes, the department recommended implementing screenings before allowing entry.
Students who have recently travelled to China or any high-risk countries should be deferred from school for 14 days.
