KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is expected to receive its first batch of antiviral pills for the treatment of Covid-19 within the next fortnight, although the exact quantity has yet to be specified.

       State Health Department director Datuk Dr Rose Nani Mudin said they were not sure how many pills would be sent over, pending an update from the Health Ministry.

       She said state Health Department would follow whatever guidelines the ministry set once the pills arrive, including who was to be given the drugs for treatment.

       Asked how the drugs would affect Covid-19 treatment in Sabah, she said it could reduce complications from infection.

       “We will wait and follow the guidelines given,” she said during a presentation of Hari Raya goodies here on Wednesday (April 13).

       On Monday (April 11), the Health Ministry received 48,000 pills of Paxlovid, Pfizer’s antiviral drug for the treatment of Covid-19.

       In a tweet, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the procurement of the oral drug was recommended for the treatment of patients aged 18 and above who did not require oxygen therapy but were at high risk of manifesting severe symptoms.

       Dr Noor Hisham wrote that the antiviral was not intended to be a substitute for Covid-19 vaccination, or a substitute for public health measures to prevent infection.

       He said Paxlovid was another weapon against Covid-19, and should be given immediately after someone tested positive for Covid-19, within five days of the onset of symptoms for optimal effectiveness.

       On March 5, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin was quoted as saying that a total of 11,000 high-risk patients would receive the first batch of the antiviral drug.

       On international travellers, Dr Rose Nani said preparations had been made to receive the first batch of tourists from Singapore on Saturday (April 16).

       She said simulations were conducted together with other agencies involved to ensure a smooth entry process for foreign visitors to Sabah.

       She said healthcare personnel and volunteers stationed at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport will remain there to handle the entry of visitors and check their MySejahtera status as well as coordinate Covid-19 tests upon arrival, among others.

       She also gave an assurance that there would always be staff on standby at clinics and hospitals even during holidays such as the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

       She reminded parents to get their children aged five to 11 years vaccinated against Covid-19, and not to worry about the vaccine which had been proven safe for children.

       “To date, we only have over 24% children in this age group vaccinated against Covid-19, and this is a very low rate,” she added.

       Earlier during the event, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor handed over Hari Raya goodies to healthcare workers and members of the security forces.