Covid-19: New cases rose by 34.6% in fourth epidemiological week, says Health DG

PETALING JAYA: Based on analysis of the fourth epidemiological week (ME) from Jan 23 to Jan 29, new Covid-19 cases increased by 34.6%, with a total of 31,980 cases compared to the previous ME with 23,752 cases, says the Health Ministry.

In a statement Monday (Jan 31), Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also added that the number of deaths during the week had shown a consistent decrease of 27.5% (74 cases) from 102 cases previously.

"The average number of cases that required treatment in intensive care units (ICU) has also shown a decrease of 15.5% with 109 cases, compared to 129 cases in the previous week.

"A dip of 11.5% of the average number of cases that need ventilation support was also recorded in the past week," he said.

Dr Noor Hisham, however, added that the average value of national infectivity rate or Rt (pronounced R-naught) had increased by 10.9%, from between 1.00 to 1.02 on the third ME to between 1.11 to 1.13 on the fourth ME.

A slight dip in Covid-19 cases was recorded Monday with new infections at 4,774 cases.

The Health DG said the new cases bring the cumulative number of Covid-19 infections in the country to 2,784,003 cases since the pandemic began.

Out of the new cases, 114 cases required treatment in intensive care units (ICU) while 62 patients required ventilation support.

"There were 4,622 local cases, of which 96.2% were Malaysians and the remaining cases were foreigners at 174 cases (3.8%).

"A total of 152 cases were imported," Dr Noor Hisham said.

He added that there were 14 new clusters, making the total number of active clusters at 314.

Meanwhile, the national Rt stands at 1.14 as of Sunday (Jan 30), with only Terengganu, Labuan and Sarawak recorded below the 1.0 mark.

In light of the Chinese New Year celebrations that will begin on Tuesday (Feb 1), Dr Noor Hisham advised the public to practise the new normal to help curbing the spread of the virus.

"The public is advised to undergo Covid-19 self-tests before gathering and visiting houses. Meanwhile, the number of crowds during physical gatherings must also be limited.

"Avoid meeting if not feeling well, despite negative Covid-19 self-test results; consistently wear face masks, maintain physical distance; and opt for well-ventilated venues," he said.

He also hoped that the management of places of worship will also continue to abide by the guidelines set by the authorities to help put the virus at bay during the festival.