#GE15: No Special Lanes For COVID-19 Positive Voters
According to caretaker Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, the issue underwent multiple levels of discussion between the Ministry of Health and the Election Commission.
By Kay Ng — 17 Nov 2022, 11:19 AM
No special lanes will be allocated for COVID-19 positive voters at polling centres for the 15th General Election (GE15)
Caretaker Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin made the announcement yesterday, 16 November, citing that the issue underwent multiple levels of discussion between his ministry and the Election Commission (EC).
"We cannot have special lanes for those infected with COVID-19," he stated. "[We] have concluded that it was the best option for these voters, after taking into consideration the resources available and other constraints."
"The standard operating procedure (SOP) [for the day of voting] is as what has been announced by Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah," he added.
The SOPs, as outlined by Noor Hisham on Monday, 14 November, require COVID-19 positive voters to wear face masks at polling centres
He also added that voters who test positive for COVID-19 must adhere to physical distancing when at the polling stations.
Additionally, they would be barred from using public transportation, including e-hailing services, when travelling to vote.
"COVID-19-positive voters are not allowed to stop anywhere before or after voting and must return immediately after casting their ballots," Noor Hisham added.
Noor Hisham also strongly encouraged the use of face masks for other voters to curb the spread of the virus.
