New Covid-19 cluster emerges in Johor

CORONAVIRUS | The Health Ministry has revealed that a new cluster of Covid-19 patients has emerged in Pengerang, Johor.

As of noon today, the cluster involved 15 individuals of whom 10 are colleagues and five are family members of the index patient.

Seven patients are still being treated.

The index case has been identified as Patient 1,508 who began showing symptoms on March 12 and was treated for dengue at a private hospital on March 16.

Patient 1,508 then travelled to Selangor on March 17 to meet his family members.

The Health Ministry said a number - which was unspecified - of his family members were infected with Covid-19 during this visit.

Patient 1,508 then returned to Pengerang on March 18 and was warded at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital on March 20.

The patient tested positive for Covid-19 on March 22.

The Health Ministry also noted that the travel and subsequent infection of Patient 1,508's family members in Selangor happened before the movement control order (MCO) was imposed.

Given the Pengerang cluster and the Rembau sub-cluster, the Health Ministry urged Muslims to avoid visiting relatives during Ramadan, which begins on Friday.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah told Malaysians not to cross borders or attend any large gatherings.

"Muslims are urged to exercise their religious obligations during Ramadan at home.

"This will help protect our loved ones, especially the elderly and the young," he said.

Noor Hisham also reminded Malaysians to maintain social distancing and constantly wash their hands.

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-  Mkini