PUTRAJAYA: There is no need to extend the 14-day quarantine period to 24 days for the detection of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection for the time being, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said although there were studies in China saying the incubation period of the virus was 24 days, the ministry, to date, was of the stand that more in-depth studies had to be done on the matter.

“I received input from discussions with the ministry’s experts that setting a 24-day incubation period would have numerous implications, it’s something that is hard for us to accept at this time.