Tourist events to go on unless WHO advises otherwise, says DPM

PUTRAJAYA: Major events involving tourists can go on as there are no directives from the World Health Organisation (WHO) so far, says Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (pic).

The Deputy Prime Minister said events on a big scale can proceed as usual despite the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.

“We will see how the situation is. If WHO says we are not allowed to have big gatherings then we will issue statements or directives, ” she told a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 29) after visiting the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre here.

She said this when asked if the government intends to restrict Thaipusam celebrations next weekend in Batu Caves, which will be visited by both local and international visitors.

Dr Wan Azizah said the 2019-nCoV virus outbreak is under control and reminded people not to spread false or fake news that can cause uneasiness.

She said 57 hospitals are available for screenings, out of which, 26 have been identified to handle the suspected cases that need further examination and treatment.

Earlier, Dr Wan Azizah held a meeting with several ministries and agencies to discuss the virus situation in the country.

She said among the things agreed in the meeting include enhancing the screening of travellers from China by having a special lane for them.

She also said those with 2019-nCoV symptoms are advised to get themselves checked, especially if they had just returned from China.

Earlier Wednesday, the Health Ministry confirmed three more cases, bringing the total number of such cases to seven.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said two out of the three new cases were from the Patient-Under-Investigation (PUI) group.

Meanwhile, one case was from close contact with infected patients.

All the seven who tested positive are Chinese nationals.