Khairy: Hospitalisations due to Covid-19 on the increase in S'gor, Putrajaya and Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of hospitalisations due to Covid-19 has increased in Selangor, Putrajaya and Sarawak after the government allowed interstate travel on Oct 11, said the Health Ministry.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the ministry views the increasing trend with much concern and will monitor the situation closely.

"If we look at the graph of hospital admissions for Covid-19 patients, we are seeing an increasing trend in Selangor and Putrajaya after interstate travel was allowed on Oct 11.

"The same is seen in Sarawak and Negri Sembilan, especially for patients in Category 3, 4 and 5.

"To sum it up, the Health Ministry looks at several leading indicators such as hospital admissions.

"And the leading indicators in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur are worrying.

"This is something that the ministry will continue to monitor closely and we will look into the profile of these hospital admissions.

"Of course, the ministry wants severe Covid-19 cases at hospitals to be reduced,” said Khairy at the ministry’s press conference here.

Despite the ascending trend, Khairy said the government does not intend to revoke its decision to allow interstate travel.

He added that the country's hospital capacity is currently stable and not at a point where its healthcare system will collapse.

"We’ve only allowed these freedoms and this is also part of living with the virus. But it is the Ministry’s responsibility to warn the public when the leading indicators are not good,” said Khairy

"Our healthcare system has not collapsed, but we can’t be giving warnings only when it’s too late.

"So if you want to live with the virus, you have to play your part," he added.

Khairy however said generally that the country’s Covid-19 indicators are all showing an improving trend, including deaths and infection rates.

He added that the country’s expansion of the booster dose programme is one of the ministry’s measures to keep the Covid-19 situation under control.