Covid-19: We are not out of the woods yet, says Health DG

PUTRAJAYA: While Malaysia continues to see an improvement in its Covid-19 figures, the Health Ministry cautions that the country is still not out of the woods yet.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said there are still about 2,168 active cases in the country, and it was vital to bring that figure down first.

“Although today we have recorded 69 new cases, which is a good day for us, but more importantly, we must reduce the number of active and infective cases by 2,000 or 1,500 more.

“When the number of active cases are less, then it is easier for the ministry to manage the pandemic, and turn the focus on hotspots, as well as high-risk groups.

“If the number of active and infective cases is under control, it means that we have managed to control the spread of the virus within the community, ” said Dr Noor Hisham at the ministry’s daily Covid-19 press conference here on Friday (April 17).

Dr Noor Hisham said the first two phases of the movement control order (MCO) have helped to keep the Covid-19 figures under control, and added that it is crucial to step up control measures in this third phase.

“If we want to lift the MCO, there are several indicators that we must look into. We must be able to reduce our active cases and also end the spread of the virus within the community.

“Our labs must have the capacity to handle daily testing of cases.

“Our hospitals also need to be at a capacity to handle patients, so that we can provide the best treatment. Currently, even patients who have mild symptoms are warded so we can monitor their progress.

“Those with serious conditions like pneumonia are given extra attention.

“At present, we have seen a reduction of cases in intensive care as well as patients requiring ventilators, ” said Dr Noor Hisham.