Health DG: Masks still needed for 'transition to endemic' phase

 

Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said masks are still needed for the current "transition to endemic" phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement today, he stressed that Malaysia has not entered the "endemic" phase and hence, measures are still required to protect the old and frail.

He said even endemic diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria still require active intervention to reduce spread, suffering and deaths.

"Although a large proportion of the population has received their primary Covid-19 vaccine dose, wearing masks and physical distancing is still necessary during the transition to the endemic phase.

"This is to protect those who are still vulnerable, such as children, the elderly, those with low immunity and those with co-morbidity.

"According to the World Health Organisation, wearing masks is among the measures which can reduce the spread of Covid-19, especially in high-risk conditions such as enclosed places with poor ventilation," he added.

Noor Hisham said as Malaysia was still defined as an "infected local area" under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 until June 30, 2022, the Covid-19 protocols, which include wearing masks, are still in force.

Only the World Health Organization has the authority to declare a disease "endemic" - defined as a disease circulating in society with a stable rate of infection, where seasonal surges or occasional large waves may occur. - Mkini