Coconut water and kangkung to combat coronavirus? Up to you, says minister

CORONAVIRUS | Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said it was up to people if they want to take outside advice on how to fight the novel coronavirus, but the government would still tell the public to stick with the ministry’s official guidelines.

Dzulkefly (above) said this when asked about a self-proclaimed “wellness success coach” Dr Noordin Darus who was quoted by Sinar Harian as advising people to take regular baths, to consume more vegetables like kangkung and to drink coconut water to deal with the coronavirus.

“We have stressed several hygiene steps we all need to take such as washing your hands and using sanitiser (and) if you cough then you use a facial mask so that other people don’t get infected. All these steps we have stressed and explained almost every day.

“But if there are those who want to suggest other things, you can listen and you can think for yourself whether you want to follow (the suggestions) or not. We do not mete out punishment on such things.

“The Health Ministry supports evidence-based medicine, based on accurate information and science,” Dzulkefly said in a press conference at the Health Ministry in Putrajaya today.

The ministry’s official guidelines on preventing the spread of coronavirus are:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitiser, especially after sneezing or coughing.
2. Wear a facial mask when forced to interact or deal with other people.
3. Practice good coughing etiquette. Close your mouth and nose using a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.
4. Immediately seek treatment if you are experiencing fever, cough or problems with breathing.

Dzulkefly also announced in the press conference today that there has been another positive case of the virus, involving a 31-year-old local man with a history of travelling to China. 

This brings the total of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Malaysia to 18. So far, three patients out of the 18 cases have recovered and been discharged.

Ministry officials have started their close contact investigation of the latest patient, Dzulkefly said.

They have identified 22 people who had close contact with the patient so far, three being family members and another 19 being healthcare professionals.

The close contact investigation is still ongoing, he added.

The Health Ministry urged the public to call the National CPRC hotline at 03-88810200, 03-88810600 or 03-88810700 for more information on the occurrence of a disease.

-Mkini