The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) will be handing out 9,000 #CovidHomeCare kits containing vital items including thermometers and paracetamol to support marginalised COVID-19 patients who are undergoing home quarantine. “We believe the #CovidHomeCare kit could help to ease their burden. No one is safe until everyone is safe,” said Tuan Haji Hakim bin Hj. Hamzah, MRCS Secretary General.

The initiative by MRCS aims to provide a fighting chance to those in underprivileged and vulnerable communities such as the B40 community, Orang Asli, and migrants, against COVID-19.

As such, the kits – which can be delivered or picked-up – will come packed with an oximeter, swab test kits, thermometer, masks, hand sanitisers, paracetamol, lozenges, and other basic medicines to ensure proper care at home.

Patients or those who need mental health support while battling the virus can also reach out to MRCS’s Mental Health Psycho-Socio Support (MHPSS) hotline at 1700-811-007 or 6012-690 1191 for Peninsular Malaysia, and 088-416-911 or 017-803 6911 for East Malaysia.

The #CovidHomeCare kit was first disseminated during the flood relief efforts to ensure victims were able to monitor their symptoms efficiently and prepare themselves for any sudden COVID-19 outbreak. The kits were given to the victims of the flood across Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, and Kedah, throughout 25 locations and relief centres.

The distribution of the kits was also accompanied by MRCS’s Medic team and MHPSS team for necessary medical and mental health assistance.

“As the nation transitions towards endemic phase, we must make sure no one is left behind,” said Tuan Haji Hakim. “We will be expecting a surge in the number of cases with the new Omicron variant. While most of us have the knowledge and ability to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally during home quarantines, the underprivileged and vulnerable communities need extra support in learning how to protect and prevent the worst, if they contract COVID-19.”

As of now, the #CovidHomecare kit will be available at MRCS centres across nine states: Klang Valley, Kelantan, Penang, Kedah, Johor, Melaka, Pahang, Sabah, and Sarawak. The public may opt for delivery or pick-up at the listed locations while COVID-19-positive patients will receive theirs via delivery.

The public will have to submit their request via an online form to secure the kit.

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