CORONAVIRUS | Malaysia has recorded 142 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total to 2,908 infections, according to Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Hisham (above) also reported two new deaths, bringing the death toll to 45, a mortality rate of 1.55 percent.

To date, he said 102 people are being treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), eight more compared to yesterday.

Of the 102 patients, 66 are being put on ventilators - six more than yesterday.

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya, Hisham also reported that 108 Covid-19 patients have recovered in the last day and were discharged.

This brings the total recoveries to 645 cases or 22.2 percent of total cases.

The two new deaths are as follow:

Patient 193 (44th death)

An 80-year-old Malaysian woman who had a history of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. She was a close contact to Patient 115. She was treated at Kuala Lumpur Hospital on March 13. She passed away on March 31 at 4.30am.

Patient 1,053 (45th death)

A 62-year-old Malaysian man who had a history of diabetes and high blood pressure. He was a close contact of Patient 486. He was treated at Kuala Lumpur Hospital on March 17. He passed away on March 31 at 10.46pm.

"The Health Ministry conveys its condolences to their family members," Noor Hisham said.

He said to date, the Health Ministry has recruited 2,359 volunteers in the fight against Covid-19.

They comprise 64 medical specialists in various fields, 159 medical officers, 909 nurses, 220 laboratory technician, 704 assistant medical officers, 106 X-ray technician, 56 physiotherapists, 70 science officer (microbiology), seven pharmacists, 44 assistant pharmacists, 11 security and health officers, two psychologist and six counsellors.

"The Health Ministry appreciates the service of the health and medical volunteers from various levels and professions in combating Covid-19.

"At the same time, the Health Ministry is discussing with federal agencies on the mechanism to appoint medical professionals who wish to serve with the Health Ministry on a contract basis," he said.

He also called for more volunteers and those willing can register using forms available on the Health Ministry's official Facebook page.

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