No, COVID-19 Is Not In Your Tap Water; MoH Confirms It Is Not True
The Health Ministry said it will investigate further into the matter to prevent viral misinformation.
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You may have seen the posts on social media claiming to show tap water turning a Covid-19 test positive.
The trend prompted the Health Ministry (MoH) through the Medical Devices Authority (MDA) to issue a statement to assure that there’s no Covid in the water.
Citing a video by Tiktok user @kakwawa3 which had since been removed, MDA said the method of use shown was wrong.
Accordingly, it does not follow the instructions as stated in the label and leaflet included in the test kit.
@bibiaqyaa_ tolong jelaskan korang 😌 air paip tu blh sampai 2line ? ada sape2 yg tahu x sbb gapo eah . tlg #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fyp #viralvideo ♬ Oh no, oh no, oh no, no no – Hip Hop
If the test kit is used not in accordance with the intended purpose and instructions set by the manufacturer, it is likely that it will produce inaccurate and misleading results.
MDA on why test kits produce positive result when used with tap water.
MDA expressed concern about the spreading of the video and said it will conduct an investigation into the matter.
The purpose is to avoid public confusion on the use of the Covid-19 self-test kit and to ensure public safety and health.
Bad News Travel Fast
Many netizens have been asking if there’s Covid in the water, and some decided to find out for themselves.
Among them is TikTok user @bibiaqyaa who also uploaded a video that shows tap water turning a COVID-19 test positive.
@miss.kopi Alhamdulillah air paip dekat office not detected covid 19😆😂 #kenascam #notdetected #foryoupage #fypsikit #covid19 #tiktokviral #fypã‚· #fypviral #tiktokmalaysia ♬ Bad Boy – Yung Bae & bbno$ & Billy Marchiafava
Some netizens were shocked and started to speculate how Covid could end up in tap water.
But not everyone is worried, and some pointed out that the test kit is not meant to be used with pipe water in the first place.
In fact, the question had been raised now and then since the pandemic started.
Meanwhile, Air Selangor said its pipe water goes through proper treatment including chlorine disinfection that is effective at removing and killing viruses.
Accuracy Of Self-Testing Products
Two types of tests are available for self-testing: molecular tests (which detect the virus’ genetic material) and antigen tests (which look for proteins on the surface of the virus).
For both molecular or antigen tests, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly for the best results and the accuracy of the test.
Antigen tests are not as sensitive as molecular tests, no matter where they are performed (e.g., home, clinic, pharmacy).
This means that negative results from self-tests do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A negative self-test result may not be reliable, especially if you have symptoms associated with COVID-19.
If your test is positive and you have questions or concerns, discuss the test results with your health care provider.
To learn more about available tests, contact the manufacturer or review test information.
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