COVID-19 INFORMATION

Last Updated: 3 May 2021

 

What is COVID-19?

• COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

• Most common symptoms:
  - Fever
  - Dry cough
  - Fatigue


• Serious symptoms (require immediate medical care):
  - Shortness of breath / difficulty in breathing
  - Chest pain
  - Loss of speech
  - Loss of mobility
  - Mental state of confusion


• Less common symptoms:
  - Sore throat
  - Headache
  - Aches & pains
  - Skin rash
  - Diarrhea
  - Red or irritated eyes

Is it possible to be infected with COVID-19 and not have any symptoms?

• Yes, it is possible. In fact, according to the statistics reported by different countries and studies, more than 50% (and as high as over 90%) of detected COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic (i.e. no symptoms) or pre-symptomatic (i.e. no symptoms yet).
• What this means is, there are many COVID-19 infected people who feel well and have no symptoms freely moving in the population, potentially spreading the infection. This is why it is important to practise physical distancing, wear a face mask and sanitise your hands reguarly when you are in public places. Avoid going out if you can to lower your risk of infection.

How do I check if I have been infected with COVID-19?

• RT-PCR test is the most accurate (over 99% accuracy) and reliable test for COVID-19.
• RT-PCR stands for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction. It is a process used to detect a virus.
• Contact your healthcare provider to find how where is the nearest COVID-19 screening facility.
  If you are in Malaysia, check here.

What can I do to lower my risk of infection?

1. Avoid going to public places, whenever possible.
2. If you have to go out, practise physical distancing (i.e. keep a distance of at least 1-2 metre from people around you).
3. Wear a face mask securely at all times, when in public places.
4. Sanitise your hands regularly.
5. Avoid confined / enclosed spaces with crowd.
6. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
7. Open the windows to improve ventilation and reduce the concentration of viruses in one spot.
8. Practise healthy lifestyle to increase your body's natural immunity.

Educational Videos:

Source: World Health Organisation (WHO)
 

• How does COVID-19 spread? How to protect yourself?
• How to protect yourself against COVID-19.
• How to properly wear your mask.
• 7 steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

How do I prepare myself in case my family member or I get infected?

What do I do if someone in my family gets infected?

Related Info:

• World Health Organisation (WHO) - Questions and Answers on COVID-19
• World Health Organisation (WHO) - When and how to wear a mask
• World Health Organisation (WHO) - Advice for the public
• Malaysia - Where to take RT-PCR test and how much it costs?
• Malaysia - What COVID-related restrictions are currently in place?