HIDE able to identify potential COVID-19 hotspots despite blindspots in system - Khairy

National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme Coordinating Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the blindspot occurs when visitors fail to scan the MySejahtera QR code, though most business premises have been registered in the HIDE system.

HIDE will make an analysis based on customer check-ins using the MySejahtera app. That is why I have often stressed the need for visitors to register using the application," he told a joint press conference on the development of the COVID-19 immunisation programme with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba here, today.

Khairy did not rule out the possibility of a business premises relisted as a hotspot location if a HIDE analysis showed potential of a similar situation.

Dr Adham said the HIDE system receives data and information on a daily basis from the State Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC).

"At the same time, MySejahtera will send a warning to those found to be close contacts so that they will monitor their health status every day using HAT (Health Assessment Tool) found in MySejahtera," he said.

Dr Adham advised those who have been to the premises identified as COVID-19 hotspots to go to a health facility right away if they feel unwell.

If they are found positive, Dr Adham said the the district health office would be mobilised to conduct an investigation, contact tracing, isolate the positive cases, quarantine close contacts, carry out risk assessment and other necessary steps such as cleaning or disinfecting.

He said cleaning and disinfection would be conducted based on a risk assessment carried out under Section 18 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).