Covid-19 spike in line with global year-end trend, says Zaliha

 

The public have been advised to practise self-care measures such as maintaining high personal hygiene and wearing face masks.

PETALING JAYA: The increase in Covid-19 cases is in line with the global trend at the end of every year, says health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

The number of new Covid-19 cases nationwide increased by 57.3% to 3,626 last week from 2,305 recorded the week before, with the ministry advising healthcare personnel in public and private healthcare facilities to remain vigilant.

In a statement today, Zaliha said in most of the new cases, the patients only had mild symptoms that did not require hospital treatment.

“To date, no new variants have been detected in Malaysia.

“The Omicron variant, along with its sub-variants known for high transmissibility, continues circulating in Malaysia but does not cause severe symptoms,” she said.

“Despite the increase in Covid-19 cases, the overall situation in Malaysia remains under control and does not burden the existing health facilities.”

Zaliha said her ministry is prepared for any eventuality, adding that it is  monitoring the situation in Malaysia and related variants.

She also urged the public to practise self-care measures such as maintaining high personal hygiene and wearing face masks.

She said they should seek medical assistance if their symptoms worsen and obtain the antiviral treatment Paxlovid at the nearest clinic for high-risk patients who test positive.

“The public can also receive the Covid-19 vaccine at clinics to reduce the risk of infection transmission,” she said.

She urged them to refrain from spreading false information to prevent confusion and public unrest. - FMT