Covid-19 cases rose to almost 6.8k in Nov 26-Dec 2 period

The number of Covid-19 cases in the country increased to 6,796 in the 48th Epidemiological Week (ME48/2023) from Nov 26 to Dec 2 compared to 3,626 in the previous week.

Health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said the rate of Covid-19 patient admission to health facilities, including for suspected cases, was 3.5 per 100,000 population with 1.0 per 100,000 population having mild symptoms.

For ME48/2023, intensive care unit (ICU) bed occupancy for Covid-19 cases was 0.8 percent while the occupancy rate for non-critical cases was 1.1 percent.

Radzi said that as of ME48/2023, 72.9 percent of the variant of concern (VOC) detected was of the Omicron variant, followed by 26.2 percent of Delta and the rest of Beta and Alpha.

“So far no new variant has been detected in Malaysia and there are no signs that variants transmitted locally were more infectious or caused more serious diseases,” he said in a statement today.

Situation under control

According to Radzi, despite the rise in Covid-19 cases, the situation in Malaysia was still under control and did not burden the existing healthcare facilities.

“An increase in Covid-19 cases has been reported globally, including in Malaysia and neighbouring countries. The Health Ministry will continue to regularly monitor the Covid-19 situation and variants and be prepared for any eventuality,” he said.

He advised the public to take preventive measures, including maintaining a high level of personal hygiene, frequently washing hands with water and soap or practising sanitisation and Triis (test, report, isolate, inform and seek) if they are symptomatic.

Covid-19 patients especially high-risk groups should quickly consult a doctor for further treatment if their symptoms worsen, while symptomatic individuals should rest at home and avoid going to crowded places.

Symptomatic individuals should also wear a face mask if they have to go to a public place while high-risk groups like senior citizens, chronic patients, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women are also encouraged to wear a face mask.

Covid-19 positive individuals who are high risk can get the Paxlovid antiviral treatment at the nearest health clinic to reduce the risk of developing complications from serious infections.

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