We are ready for endemicity but...

The government also needs to look into the vaccination rate and factors of herd immunity as the country leans towards endemicity. — Filepic/The Star

MALAYSIA’S shift into the endemic phase can be facilitated by several existing factors but the authorities must remain vigilant for potential outbreaks and keep the people informed, say health experts.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has said that her ministry will soon iron out a new Covid-19 SOP.

The low hospitalisation rate, which largely consists of mild infections, is among the good indicators that the country is doing well in managing the virus, says Universiti Malaya’s epidemiologist Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming, when asked if we are ready to move into the endemic phase.

“Yes, with the low hospitalisation rate of around 5%.

“This means a majority of the Covid-19 infections are mild and do not require hospitalisation.

“We can co-exist with the virus.”

According to Dr Moy, the situation is developing in a similar manner in other countries.

“We also don’t notice any severe Covid-19 cases in other countries.

“Most cases abroad are mild and don’t require hospitalisation.

“These indicators may enable our country to transition to the endemic phase,” she says.

ALSO READ: Health Ministry to discuss Covid-19 SOPs in mid-June, says Dr Zaliha

Dr Moy expects rules on wearing masks on public transport and in clinical settings may be relaxed in the future.

“The government should continue to have good monitoring or surveillance of the situation and take immediate action when there are signs of a surge in cases.

“My advice to the public is that we should weigh our risks if and when we get infected, before deciding to be free of all the public health measures.”

Universiti Putra Malaysia epidemiologist Assoc Prof Dr Malina Osman agrees that any declaration of endemicity needs to be accompanied by updated relevant protocols, especially in areas where public funds need to be saved.

“I think we do not have many issues in moving towards the endemicity phase.

“But we have real issues with those who take the opportunity maximally to gain profit as much as possible by assuming we are still in the pandemic phase.

“As an example during this transition phase [with more than 80% of the population vaccinated], the RT-PCR test for patient screening has been maintained as compulsory before patients are allowed to be admitted to the hospital.

“In my opinion, it should be carried out only for those with symptoms.”

She says asymptomatic and stable patients should be exempted from such tests.

“Why do the hospitals need to screen all those asymptomatic patients but their staff members who directly deal with patients in clinics or wards, are not being screened daily?”

Universiti Putra Malaysia’s virologist Assoc Prof Dr Chee Hui Yee says larger outbreaks can be avoided if a system to keep the people on their toes is in place.

For instance, people can be alerted via text messages on the current infection rate or areas involved in an outbreak.

“By informing the masses about it, they can take the necessary precautions.”

Dr Chee says the government also needs to look into the vaccination rate and factors of herd immunity as the country leans towards endemicity.