Health DG: Recovery no guarantee of Covid-19 immunity
CORONAVIRUS | Recovering from Covid-19 does not give one immunity from the virus, cautioned Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today.
During his media briefing this evening, he cited studies from abroad that found a drop in antibodies in patients who had recovered from Covid-19.
CORONAVIRUS | Recovering from Covid-19 does not give one immunity from the virus, cautioned Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today.
During his media briefing this evening, he cited studies from abroad that found a drop in antibodies in patients who had recovered from Covid-19.
He also cited a statement by the World Health Organization (WHO) that said there was no evidence that those who recovered from the virus were protected from reinfection.
“Getting infected by the virus does not give one immunity against a second infection,” Noor Hisham stressed.
He thus dismissed the notion of an “immunity passport” where former patients develop the antibodies needed to prevent reinfection
The top official reiterated that the ministry was monitoring all patients who had recovered from serious cases of Covid-19 by noting their antibody levels and performing X-rays on their lungs every three months.
No date for ‘travel bubble’ plans
Meanwhile, Noor Hisham called for patience amid Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s suggestion that travel can be allowed among Asean countries with a low number of Covid-19 cases.
While “very early-stage” discussions had commenced with several countries, he stressed that no plans had been drawn up yet.
Noor Hisham noted the complexity involved in such plans.
“We have not set a date for implementation so at least we can continue the discussion.
“What’s more important is for us to monitor the situation in respective countries, (and) then how can we make sure that we strike a balance between life and livelihood across borders.
“I think there are a lot of issues (and) details that we need to discuss,” he said.
The top official previously shared that Malaysia was exploring possible “travel bubbles” with Singapore, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand provided a common standard operating procedure could be agreed bilaterally.
Earlier today, Muhyiddin mooted that Asean governments expedite a plan to allow travel among “green” member states to boost economic activity and tourism.
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