Health Ministry figures show Covid-19 curve is flattening, says Health DG

PUTRAJAYA: After two weeks of implementing the movement control order (MCO) in Malaysia, figures show early signs that the government’s efforts are working, says Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Making a comparison with a projection by the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), the director-general of health said the actual number of Covid-19 cases showed a lower trajectory than was initially forecasted by MIER.

“When you compare MIER’s projected trajectory with the number of actual cases, you can see that it is less than predicted.

“These are early signs that the mitigating activities introduced by the ministry and other relevant agencies have worked, ” said Dr Noor Hisham at a press conference here.

He, however, stressed that Malaysians must continue to maintain their social distancing and to obey the stay-at-home order for the upcoming weeks.

“The next two weeks are crucial. It will decide whether or not the government’s MCO has produced the intended impact, ” said Dr Noor Hisham.

According to MIER’s projection, Malaysia would have 4,087 new Covid-19 cases by March 31, with an increase of 200 to 399 new cases per day.

However, Malaysia has only recorded 2,766 Covid-19 cases as of March 31, a difference of 1,321 cases compared to MIER’s projection.

On average, the daily number of new cases is about 100 to 150 in Malaysia since March 23, with an unusual spike of 235 on March 26.

The MCO is scheduled to end on April 14, barring any further extension by the government.