Covid-19: Almost 85% of tahfiz students who tested positive showed no symptoms

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 539 tahfiz students - or 84.9% out of 635 students - who tested positive for Covid-19 showed no signs of infection, says Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

"Almost 85% of the students were asymptomatic with only 15.1% showing signs of infection.

"This is why we are worried that tahfiz students, teachers and staff who return to their respective villages and homes may think they are healthy but may spread the virus to their friends and family members, especially their elder grandparents," he said in a daily briefing Thursday (May 14).

He urged tahfiz students who had travelled back home to come forward to the nearest designated health facilities to get themselves screened and tested for Covid-19.

He advised those who have yet to return home to remain where they are at their respective madrasah to allow the authorities to better monitor the situation.

As of May 14, a total of 19,209 tahfiz students, teachers and staff have been identified from 370 madrasah and tahfiz centres nationwide.

"Of this, a total of 12,384 samples had been tested with 635 positive cases and 10,755 negative cases.

"We are still waiting for the results for 944 cases," he said, adding that there was a worrying rise in the trend of infections from this group from 4.4% last week to 5.1% currently.

Dr Noor Hisham also urged students, teachers and staff of over 1,000 private madrasah nationwide to come forward for screening and tests.

Although some may have undergone screening, he said that there is a worry that asymptomatic carriers may spread the virus to their family members during the coming Hari Raya festivities.

"If they are asymptomatic and if they greet by touching and kissing, they could pass the virus to others, especially the elderly who may suffer more complications," he added.

He reminded those who are travelling home for the coming Hari Raya festivities to adopt social distancing and hygiene practices including avoiding visiting others homes.