17 February 2022

Ministry of Health
Malaysia

FAQ ON ANNEX 21 & 21a

(Management of HCW
During COVID-19 Pandemic)

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
1. What is meant by fully vaccinated?
Fully vaccinated means received primary series of COVID-19 vaccines
(2 doses of vaccines or 3 doses for Sinovac recipient starting 1st March
2022; subjected to change based on national policy).

2. Is face shield still regarded as criterion in risk category?

The requirement for face shield is based on ANNEX 8 IPC guideline for
PPE recommendation.

3. How long is the Home Surveillance Order (HSO) issued?

HSO will be issued to symptomatic high-risk close contacts only up to 3
days post exposure unless there is a need for re evaluation.
4. How about medium risk close contact?
There is no medium risk close contact anymore. The risk category is
divided into low risk and high risk only (including household contacts).

5. Should the duration of exposure and distance from positive COVID-19

source person be considered when doing a risk assessment?
Yes.

6. What is the next step if HCW is still symptomatic after the end of
quarantine or sick leave?
To re-evaluate the risk and symptoms by treating doctor, test if required.
7. What is meant by RTK Ag as mentioned in the ANNEX 21a?
It can be professional RTK Ag or self test saliva RTK Ag.

8. Is RTK Ag COVID-19 self test kit accepted as confirmatory test?

Yes.

9. Who bears the purchase expenses of RTK Ag?

Proposals and applications have been made to the top management.
While waiting for approval, MOH healthcare facility may adjust
accordingly by using available RTK Ag.
10. Is the COVID-19 self test kit available at market reliability to detect
COVID-19?
Refer to Medical Device Authority Website
(https://portal.mda.gov.my/announcement/631-self-test-covid-19-test-kit for-
conditional-approval-approved.html) for list of COVID-19 self test kit that is
approved for Conditional Approval.

11. Do we have to enter RTK Ag result into SIMKA?

You will only need to update RTK Ag results in MySejahtera.
12. Does HCW have to follow quarantine period from MySejahtera in view of there is
discrepancy of quarantine period stated in MySejahtera compared to Annex 21a?
HCW have to follow the Annex 21. Once HSO is over, they may approach
District Health Office (PKD) for adjustment of My Sejahtera.

13. In the event of critical shortage of staff, can we shorten the isolation period of
asymptomatic COVID-19 positive HCW?
The shortening of the isolation period has been done to the maximum. For the time
being follow Annex 2 for release of isolation protocol of positive COVID-19 patients.

14. If a HCW is an asymptomatic household contact, with their kids being positive
COVID-19, is this HCW entitled for HSO or work from home?
Refer JPA.800-1/6/4 (8) 28 Oktober 2021: GARIS PANDUAN PENGURUSAN PREMIS KERAJAAN
BAGI MENGAWAL PENULARAN COVID-19.
15. Who will issue sick leave for low risk symptomatic group?
Sick leave and duration of sick leave will be decided by the treating
doctor.

16. Whether concession workers and security guards are subjected to this
guideline?
No, ANNEX 21a is applicable to HCW only. However, their companies
may use ANNEX 21 as a guidance.
THANK YOU…

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