MARCH 26 — We hope this write up will help create awareness for the protection of children and newborns against COVID-19.

DEFINITIONS

COVID-19 Patient

Person tested positive for COVID-19 by the relevant authorities.

Person under investigation (PUI)

Identified as Person Under Investigation (PUI) are person that have presented with

·         Fever OR acute respiratory infection (sudden onset of respiratory infection with at least one of: shortness of breath, cough or sore throat) AND

·         Travel to or reside in affected countries in the 14 days before the onset of illness OR, close contact in 14 days before illness onset with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Close contact

Identified as close contact i.e. person who has been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient that may involve the following:

·         Working together in close proximity or sharing the same classroom environment with a COVID-19 patient;

·         Travelling together with COVID-19 patient in any kind of conveyance including public transport;

·         Living in the same household as COVID-19 patient;

·         Health care associated exposure without appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – including providing direct care for COVID-19 patients, working with health care workers infected with COVID-19, visiting patients or staying in the same close environment of a COVID-19 patient.

Quarantine order

Persons who has been asked to quarantine in accordance to the Laws of Malaysia, Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease Act 1988, Act 342

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the risk of children getting infected by COVID-19?

Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date.

If my child’s school has a confirmed COVID-19 case or PUI, does she/ he need to be quarantined?

Contact tracing would be conducted to identify close contacts of the confirmed cases to determine if the nature of contact poses risk of virus transmission. Public health team will decide if there is a need for your child and/ or close contacts to be issued a home quarantine.

How can I protect my child from getting infected by COVID-19?

You can encourage your child to help breaking the chain of infection by: