Covid-19: Spike in Klang Valley cases linked to workplace, says Health DG

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The sudden spike in the Covid-19 cases around Klang Valley recently was due to an increase of cases related to the workplace, says Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

"This is because Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya are the focal point of workers. The population density in these states is also one of the risk factors behind the increasing rate of infection or transmission of Covid-19,” he said in a statement here.

Meanwhile, he said out of 162 active clusters, 72 were linked to workplaces, including the four new clusters reported today.

In this regard, the Health Ministry urged employers to play a bigger role to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

"Among the factors behind the surge in cases at workplaces are crowded accommodation, personal hygiene and the living and working environment. The issue of Covid-19 transmission among foreign workers is an important matter that needs to be addressed,” he added.

Dr Noor Hisham also called on employers to educate their employees on personal hygiene and the importance of keeping their accommodation and workplace conducive.

"Other actions include practising physical distancing and ensuring preventive measures are consistently taken by employees at their workplaces and places of lodging,” he said. - Bernama