Covid-19: Experts expect Omicron wave to peak at the end of March

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. - Bernama

PUTRAJAYA: Experts running the numbers on the wave of Omicron variant infections expect it to peak at the end of March, says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

However, he pointed out that experts were running a mathematical model based on the current scenario and that the situation could change.

“According to the mathematical and epidemiological model, this wave will peak around the end of March.

“That tracks with other countries which expect the variant to take two months to peak.

“That means a booster does protect most people,” he said at a press conference on Monday (Feb 7).

Khairy said it is important to blunt an exponential rise in cases.

“That is why we should take measures such as working from home, getting booster shots and testing ourselves before meeting people,” he said.

He also acknowledged that increased social mobility had contributed to the rising numbers over the past two weeks.

“I tried to slow it down as much as possible, but there are only so many tactical moves that I have left after (postponing) umrah and (tightening) border controls,” he said.

Khairy said that curbing mobility would only be the last option.

“I don’t think we can afford to curb mobility anymore – let alone having anything close to a lockdown.

“What we are trying to do now is to balance health priorities together with economic recovery, people’s livelihoods and mental well-being,” he said

Khairy said the view taken by the ministry is to ensure that the public health system is not inundated.

“As long as the system is not paralysed (by a surge of Covid-19 patients) or not close to collapse, we can deal with the Omicron wave,” he said.