Adib Noor
Those experiencing mild flu symptoms or feeling unwell should self-isolate at home even if antigen rapid test (ART) screening shows a negative result, said Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar during the daily press conference yesterday, in response to public concern over the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Sultanate.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said the rise in cases is expected due to the festive season, during which celebrants visit relatives and attend gatherings to mark the occasion.
“The ministry recently identified several positive cases with mild symptoms, who tested negative using the ART kit deciding to ignore the symptoms and visit relatives to celebrate Hari Raya.
“In this endemic stage, even if your ART result is negative when you are experiencing symptoms, it does not mean you are truly negative,” said the minister.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham added, “I would like to remind those who are experiencing mild symptoms, such as sore throats, to isolate themselves at home and continue to do daily ART testing for the next couple of days to ensure they are free of the virus.”