Covid-19 thriving in Terengganu because people ignore SOPs, says state health director

PUTRAJAYA: The increased infection rate in Terengganu is happening because people are not observing Covid-19 preventive measures, says the state Health Department.

In a Facebook post, Terengganu Health director Dr Nor Azimi Yunus said the three-digit increases in the state over the past few days was "not surprising".

"At present, there are 14 people being treated at intensive care units here.

"We are not surprised at all, because the behaviour of the Terengganu people has allowed Covid-19 to thrive in the state," wrote Dr Nor Azimi.

She shared five examples of Covid-19 cases in Terengganu caused by neglecting standard operating procedures (SOP).

The first was about 18 friends who were hanging out at an empty house in Setiu.

"Eventually, 17 people were confirmed as Covid-19 positive, including family members. Another 162 close contacts had to be traced," said Dr Nor Azimi.

Another was an individual who tested positive after undergoing a pre-work screening in Johor.

Family members were tested and 41 people were found to be infected in total.

Dr Nor Azimi said this was because the family lived in a few houses with a common compound and going house-to-house was a norm.

In another situation, a group of 20 people had a buka puasa event together, which resulted in the Bukit Pauh cluster in Dungun.

The cluster so far has 78 confirmed cases and 496 close contacts.

The next was a group of people cooking together for a buka puasa event at a surau in Marang.

"In the end, 26 people were found Covid-19 positive and 283 more were identified as close contacts," said Dr Nor Azimi.

The fifth was an individual who attended a meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

"The person did not undergo any risk assessment and went back to work normally.

"Eventually, 36 people were infected and thousands of close contacts had to be screened," he said.

He said many more stories could be told shared to show that SOPs were not being followed.

Dr Nor Azimi said the public should never take Covid-19 and the infectivity level lightly.

"The stories show that SOP compliance is not taken seriously and even considered as a bother.

"When we attend social events, we do not know the status of our friends.

"We only learn after they are confirmed positive and we are identified as a close contact. Worse, we could be positive as well.

"So don't take Covid-19 and its infectivity lightly. Just like how three teachers decided to meet up to discuss marking exam papers and ended up Covid-19 positive," said Dr Nor Azimi.

The state Health director urged community leaders to postpone gatherings and ensure SOP compliance among the public.

"Everyone has to stay at home. There is no point having movement control order rules if people are still out having fun.

"But if the people of Terengganu feel they are immune to Covid-19, then go ahead and have fun," said Dr Nor Azimi.