Covid-19: Country’s situation remains at ‘worrying stage’, says Health DG

 

PUTRAJAYA: As Malaysia gradually reopens the economic and social sectors, the Health Ministry has reminded the public that the country’s Covid-19 situation remains at a “worrying stage”.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said in the last seven days, the country’s daily cases are still at an average of 20,000 a day.

“The ministry understands the importance of reopening the economic and social sectors in stages as part of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), in our effort to balance lives and livelihoods.

“At the same time, the ministry is also striving to break the chain of Covid-19 infection and prevent the formation of more clusters.

“The ministry’s actions will require the cooperation and compliance of all parties in order to keep the Covid-19 situation in the country under control. But right now, it is still at a worrying level,” said Dr Noor Hisham in his statement on Wednesday (Aug 18).

On Wednesday, Malaysia’s Covid-19 figures reached a new high with 22,242 more cases recorded in the last 24-hour span.

From Aug 16, the government has allowed more businesses such as clothing stores, salons and car wash centres to be reopened.

Public parks are also reopened for activities such as jogging and cycling.

The type of sectors allowed depends on the state’s phase under the NRP.

Business owners must also ensure customers who enter their premises show their digital Covid-19 vaccination certificate as proof that they are fully vaccinated.

Dr Noor Hisham said it is important that Malaysians do their part by strictly adhering to Covid-19 preventive measures at all times.

He also called on employers to play their part in preventing clusters at work by establishing more conducive workplaces.

This, he said, includes providing ample space that enables physical distancing among employees and ensuring proper ventilation at the workplace.

As for workers, Dr Noor Hisham said they must avoid close conversations at the office and also not come to work if they are symptomatic.

“We should learn from events in the past that have led to many Covid-19 deaths as well as the closure of economic and social sectors.

“Let’s help the country to get out of this pandemic.

“Hopefully, we can return to normalcy as soon as possible and drive our country towards a more prosperous direction,” said Dr Noor Hisham. - Star