Health DG: 'Double mutant' Covid-19 strain detected linked to foreign worker with travel history to Mumbai - The Star Online

PETALING JAYA: The first case of the “double mutant” Covid-19 strain originating from India detected in Malaysia was a foreign worker who travelled to Mumbai, says Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

“The case involves a travel history to Mumbai, India.

“The person entered Malaysia with a work pass on April 10 and tested positive at an international entry point.

“It was identified as the Indian B.1.617.1 variant based on whole genome sequencing (WGS), ” he said in a statement on Sunday (May 2).

Dr Noor said the individual has since been isolated and is undergoing treatment.

“Malaysia has imposed a restriction on the entry of non-citizens and travellers from India.

“The quarantine period for Malaysians travellers from India has been extended to 14 days since April 28 following growing concern over the spread of the B.1.617.1, ” he added.

Earlier on Sunday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said that the Indian national infected with the B.1.617.1 strain was screened at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

On April 27, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Malaysia will temporarily suspend all flights to and from India to stop the “double mutant” variant from entering the country.

Ships and Indian citizens with Malaysian work permits were also not allowed to enter the country.

The B.1.617.1 variant was first detected in India last December, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) describing it as a “variant of interest”, which suggests that it potentially has increased transmissibility.