Inching closer to reopening of borders

 

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia inched closer to the 90% fully vaccinated rate for adults this week, the threshold at which interstate travel restrictions would be lifted for the first time since a state of emergency was declared in January.

While many would have been disappointed about missing out on a weekend reunion with their loved ones in other states, there were a lot of positive headlines in the past week on the Covid-19 situation in the country.

Recoveries continued to outpace new cases

There were a total of 63,722 new cases since Oct 3, a drop of nearly 20,000 new cases from the previous week. There were also fewer new clusters this week, 79 compared to 100 from last week.

While the numbers of cases remained relatively high, more than 98% of the new infections were Category 1 and 2 cases, with the rest in Category 3, 4 and 5.

In total, 98,600 people recovered from the virus.

Up until noon on Friday, a total of 301 people had lost their lives to the virus.

As of Friday, there were 125,999 active cases with 80% undergoing home quarantine. A further 16,481 are being treated in Covid-19 integrated quarantine and treatment centres while 7,881 are in hospital, including 792 who are receiving intensive care.

These are the major headline stories about Covid-19 over the week.

Cases dip below the 10,000 mark

On Oct 3, the health ministry reported 9,066 cases, the first time since July 12 that daily cases have been below the 10,000 mark.

Govt signs deal to buy ‘breakthrough’ Covid-19 drug

The government has entered into an agreement with an American pharmaceutical company to buy 150,000 courses of the “breakthrough” Covid-19 drug Molnupiravir. The drug will be given to patients at no charge at public health facilities.

Khairy wants action over vaccine lies

Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has instructed for a police report to be lodged against a social media user for spreading fake news about Covid-19 vaccines. He also instructed that a report be lodged with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Mass vaccination exercise is over

On Oct 3 the country’s largest vaccination centre at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur was closed, signifying the end of mass vaccinations in Malaysia.

The government’s other public vaccination centres (PPVs) will be closed in stages though some may still be open to cater to teenagers, and those who have missed out on their vaccinations.

Boosters won’t affect vaccination status, says KJ

Health minister Khairy Jamalauddin said the introduction of booster doses will not affect people’s vaccination status even if they do not receive one. He also reiterated that boosters and third doses will be offered on a voluntary basis for those who need it, such as those with comorbidities or chronic illnesses. - FMT