A comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the COVID19 issue among foreign workers

In an opinion piece to the Malay Mail, Professor Dato Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman the Chair of the UMMC COVID-19 task force and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, highlighted the importance of approaching the prevention of the COVID-19 infection using a comprehensive approach. We should not focus on testing alone as it will create a ‘False Sence of Security’, instead, we should focus on educating foreign workers and improving their working and living conditions. Employers need to adopt a comprehensive approach that involves risk assessment and surveillance, attention to personal as well as environmental hygiene and infection control, education and training and most importantly building solidarity with their employees towards a safer workplace.