Health Ministry: 150 new cases, death toll now at 34 (updated)

PETALING JAYA: Another seven deaths and 150 new Covid-19 cases have been reported, bringing it to a total of 34 deaths and 2,470 cases as of noon Sunday (March 29), says the Health Ministry.

Health director-general Datuk Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pic) said there were 68 recovered Covid-19 patients who were been discharged Sunday, bringing the total to 388 cases.

Dr Noor Hisham said a total of 73 patients were being treated at intensive care units (ICU), with 52 of them needing ventilators.

He added that 61 of the 150 new cases reported were linked to the tabligh gathering at Masjid Jamek, Sri Petaling.

Dr Noor Hisham added that with the seven new fatalities, this brings the total of Covid-19 deaths to 34.

He noted that among those who died was a 27-year-old who had a history of diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney problems while a 37-year-old who died had a history of travelling to India.

"From the 34 deaths, 55.6% of the cases were aged 60 and above, while 67.6% suffered from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney and heart problems.

"They are more at risk to develop more serious Covid-19 symptoms," he said in a press conference on Sunday (March 29).

Dr Noor Hisham said it was important for them and their families to take the necessary precautions to prevent getting infected by Covid-19.

"Make sure their medication is enough and uninterrupted. Health services are still ongoing as usual at all the Health Ministry's facilities especially follow-up appointments and to obtain medications," he said.

Dr Noor Hisham also said that they welcomed medical volunteers to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Until today (Sunday, March 29), 157 volunteers have joined and have been placed in stages to help the Covid-19 medical assistance team. A further 1,008 medical professionals are expected to join the medical teams in hospitals," he said.