Anonymous

3 years

I need to get swab test or not?

Hi doctor, I have a question whether I need to take swab test or not. On 21/3/2021, I passed by a restaurant twice but I did not have my dinner at that restaurant. Later on 27/3/2021, that restaurant announced on social media that a worker has tested positive for Covid-19 and it closed on 25/3/2021. Now I am worried whether I have infected or not because I was just a passerby. For your information, so far I do not have any symptoms. I hope I can get my answer soon, thank you.

Dr Ramzdhan,

3 years

Thank you for your question.

We understand your worries especially regarding the close contact to a positive COVID-19 patient. For your information, COVID-19 screening is usually subjected to patients that have experienced an ongoing fever. From your explanation, you don’t need to get a swab test done as you were not in close proximity to a positive case.

According to the Ministry of Health, close contact refers to either:

  • Health care-associated exposure, including providing direct care for 2019-nCoV patients, working with health care workers infected with 2019-nCoV, visiting patients or staying in the same close environment of a 2019nCoV patient.
  • Working together in close proximity or sharing the same classroom environment with a with 2019-nCoV patient
  • Traveling together with 2019-nCoV patient in any kind of conveyance
  • Living in the same household as a 2019-nCoV patient

I would also encourage you to answer this quiz on Risk Assessment for COVID-19 to evaluate their health status in regards to this disease. After completing this quiz, you will be classified into several categories. Further instructions will be given at the end of the quiz. Please act accordingly.

Meanwhile try to maintain physical and social distance between close friends and family members. You may also click on this link to directly request a COVID-19 screening test.

But if you want to seek a second opinion, you may try to contact the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC). Other than that, do practice good hand hygiene and normalize wearing face mask in public.

CPRC contact:

0388810200
+60178429454
[email protected]

In need of a second opinion? Our pulmonologist are here to help.

Click on this link (DoctorOnCall) to talk online with our certified doctors. Thank you

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