Who is subject to the new 21-day quarantine rule?

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New Entry Requirements for Travellers from Specific South Asian Countries

Travellers arriving in Sarawak from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are now subject to a mandatory 21-day quarantine period. This extended quarantine is a new condition imposed by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) as part of updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for entry into the state. These measures are a response to the detection of serious variants of concern (VOC) and interest (VOI) in Peninsular Malaysia, including the Delta variant, known for its high infectivity rate.
Stricter Quarantine and Testing Protocols

Individuals arriving from the specified countries must complete a full 21-day quarantine at international points of arrival. Before being permitted to enter Sarawak itself, they are required to produce a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result obtained on the 18th day of their quarantine. Upon reaching Sarawak, these travellers will remain in quarantine until further RT-PCR swab tests confirm they are negative for the virus.
Application and Approval Process

To facilitate these new entry conditions, all travellers intending to enter Sarawak must apply through the designated EnterSarawak system. This application process is a prerequisite for entry, and the updated instructions took effect immediately upon their announcement. The SDMC's review of existing Ministry of Health SOPs led to these additional measures, reflecting concerns over the potential risks posed by circulating virus variants.
Rationale Behind Enhanced Measures

The decision to implement these stricter entry requirements, including the 21-day quarantine for travellers from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, stems from the identification of specific variants of concern and interest within Peninsular Malaysia. The Delta variant (B.1.617.2), noted by the World Health Organisation for its rapid spread and potential for severe health deterioration, was a significant factor in the SDMC's review. These enhanced protocols aim to mitigate the risk of introducing and spreading such variants within Sarawak.

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Who is subject to the new 21-day quarantine rule?

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