PETALING JAYA: The number of Covid-19 cases recorded has increased by 62.2%% to 20,696 between Dec 10 and Dec 16.
However, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said there was no need for movement restrictions for now.
The government had imposed a movement control order (MCO) during the height of the pandemic to help curb the spread of the virus.
Speaking at a press conference, Dzulkefly said 97% of the cases exhibited mild symptoms and did not require hospitalisation.
However, he said 151 cases were warded in the intensive care unit, with 96 patients requiring respiratory assistance.
Meanwhile, according to the health ministry, 28 deaths were recorded in the past week.
Dzulkefly said that a majority of the fatalities involved patients aged above 60 and those who had comorbidities.
“The country is seeing a surge in Covid-19 cases and we hope to manage them without the need to resort to movement restrictions, like the MCO imposed when the pandemic first hit.
“For the time being, we are not talking about MCOs despite the public’s concerns.”
Dzulkefly said the ministry was prepared for a potential surge in hospitalisations and ensuring adequate staff, supplies and equipment to provide sufficient care in the event of an influx of patients.
He also advised the public to undergo testing if they experienced symptoms and to consult doctors for antiviral treatment if eligible.
The public is also recommended to wear masks in crowded places and practise good hygiene.
Meanwhile, health director-general Dr Radzi Abu Hassan has assured the public that there is enough supply of vaccines.
“We have sufficient vaccine supply, especially for those with underlying comorbidities,” Radzi said, adding that those interested in a booster jab could simply “walk in” for their inoculation.
He said the ministry is monitoring arrivals of tourists with thermal body scanners placed at airports, emphasising that no new variant has been detected so far. - FMT
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