Selangor health director: Probe on cause of Covid-19 cases at Klang hospital inconclusive

KLANG: Investigations carried out by the Selangor Health Department and Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) was not able to shed light on how the Covid-19 infection had taken root at the hospital, says Datuk Dr Sha'ari Ngadiman.

The Selangor health director said in a statement it was not clear if the 50 staff members, currently being treated at Sungai Buloh Hospital, had picked-up the virus before patients were admitted at the hospital, or when they (the patients) were in the 14-day incubation period.

“Klang, being in a red zone and an increase in severe acute respiratory infection cases that sought treatment at HTAR may have caused the increase in Covid-19 cases (the hospital).

“The hospital is always cautious and ensures the standard operating procedures and the usage of personal protective equipment is always adhered to,’’ said Dr Sha'ari.

Although Dr Sha'ari confirmed there were also patients that were infected, he did not reveal the numbers.

Sources claim there were about 100 Covid-19 positive cases in HTAR, with 50 of them being patients who had been admitted there to be treated for other ailments.

Dr Sha'ari said the situation was nevertheless under control, with all the contacts swab-tested and placed under home surveillance order.

All patients who had come in contact with the infected hospital staff were also swabbed tested.

“Patients were still being treated (at the hospital) and the situation is under control.

“The public is advised to not come to the hospital, unless it is necessary, ’’ said Dr Sha'ari, adding people should also refrain from spreading unverified news to prevent confusion and worry amongst the community there.

Earlier, Klang MP Charles Santiago lambasted the Health Ministry and the state health department for allowing the hospital to keep the matter under wraps for so long.