COVID-19 | Four states have registered infectivity levels above 1.20, far surpassing the national average and indicating that the Covid-19 situation is continuing to worsen.
The Covid-19 infectivity rate is measured by its effective reproduction number (Rt). An Rt above 1.00 indicates a growing outbreak.
As of May 17, the states with the highest Rt were Perak (1.26), Kedah (1.24), Terengganu (1.22) and Pahang (1.22).
An Rt of 1.26 means on average, every 100 Covid-19 cases are infecting 126 others in each cycle of disease transmission.
Growing outbreak in nine states
According to data shared by Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, seven other states and territories also registered an Rt above 1.00.
They were Putrajaya (1.16), Negeri Sembilan (1.16), Selangor (1.14), Johor (1.13), Malacca (1.12), Penang (1.09), Kuala Lumpur (1.08).
This means that nationally, a growing outbreak was seen in nine states and two federal territories.
Only four areas (Labuan, Sarawak, Sabah, Kelantan) saw shrinking outbreaks with an Rt below 1.00.
The national average Rt was 1.06 as of yesterday.
The ministry forecasts that daily new cases could surpass 8,000 by June if Covid-19 standard operation procedure compliance is low.
Healthcare system struggling
This comes amidst the imposition of a third movement control order (MCO 3.0) in the past 14 months. This time, social activities are prohibited while most businesses are allowed to operate.
In Kedah, the entire Kota Setar comprising 28 sub-districts have been placed under lockdown.
This includes the state capital Alor Setar.
Health Minister Dr Adham Baba yesterday advised for “stricter” measures and a “full MCO” in Selangor where daily new cases have surpassed 1,000 for the past 13 consecutive days.
He did not elaborate. During MCO 1.0, only businesses deemed “essential” were allowed to open.
Meanwhile, the healthcare system is also struggling to cope.
Hospitals are running out of beds and intensive care unit beds. Quarantine centres are in overflow.
The government has resorted to setting up military field hospitals, preparing a container for dead bodies and placing quarantine beds on parking lots. - Mkini
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