KUALA LUMPUR: It is now mandatory for all employers to recognise the Home Surveillance Order (HSO) certificate for individuals or workers confirmed to have contracted Covid-19.
In a statement posted on the X platform, the Health Ministry clarified that this requirement is grounded in the imperative for Covid-19 patients to observe a five-day Home Surveillance Order, starting from the onset of symptoms.
"The HSO certificate carries legal validity under the Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Act (Act 342)," the statement read.
The ministry also strongly advocates for remote work for symptomatic employees with negative Covid-19 test results, emphasising the need for transparent reporting of their status.
"Employers are highly encouraged to allow employees displaying symptoms, yet testing negative for Covid-19, to work remotely.
"Individuals in possession of a digital HSO are directed to take a screenshot of the screen display for the employer's awareness.
"Employees are also advised to openly disclose their Covid-19 status."
In response to concerns raised, particularly on social media about the surge in Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently clarified that there has been no discussion yet about reinstating the Movement Control Order (MCO)
Dr Dzulkefly also mentioned that there was currently no need to reintroduce the scanning of MySejahtera QR codes when entering premises.
Based on previous reports, 27,689 individuals diagnosed with Covid-19 are currently under a Home Surveillance Order (HSO), and concurrently, 664 cases are receiving medical treatment in hospitals across the nation.
As of Dec 17, 28,375 active Covid-19 cases were reported, contributing to the cumulative 5,141,797 cases in the country, according to KKMNow.