15 infected with Covid-19 after symptomatic relatives attend tahlil

A family grieving over the death of a grandfather had more misfortune befall them when 15 of them were infected with Covid-19.

According to Terengganu health director Nor Azimi Yunus (above), the case involved relatives from Johor, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Penang who returned to Terengganu after the grandfather passed away.

She said the family then held a tahlil (supplications for the deceased) ceremony attended by 45 people including those showing Covid-19 symptoms.

"In the family, those with symptoms also joined in (the ceremony). This caused a very high infection rate.

"They should know that if they have symptoms they should postpone (the ceremony) or comply with the SOPs strictly," Nor Azimi posted on Faceboook today.

It is unclear if all 15 cases tied to this family are listed under Terengganu which reported 22 new cases today including 17 from close contact tracing.

Terengganu is currently under a recovery movement control order (MCO).

Tahlil and other related ceremonies are allowed for states under a recovery or conditional MCO.

Nor Azimi said this latest incident should serve as a reminder to the public to avoid large family gatherings unless it is absolutely sure that no one was a Covid-19 carrier.

She also said the people must be responsible and comply with all health SOPs thoroughly.

"When interstate travel is not allowed, people get anxious and angry.

"But if it's allowed without self-responsibility to comply with the SOPs, this (Covid-19 infections) is what we have to bear with," she said. - Mkini