Covid-19: Cat 1 and 2 patients with diabetes, hypertension among those admitted to hospitals, says Health DG

PETALING JAYA: Covid-19 patients under Categories 1 and 2 with emergency medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension were among those admitted to hospitals, says the Health Ministry.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also said that among others, infected individuals who are guardians for paediatric and geriartic patients; obstetric patients that require enhanced surveillance; and immunocompromised (HIV or receiving chemotherapy) patients had to be hospitalised.

“Patients who were admitted through emergency wards, or live in unsuitable house conditions for quarantine were also hospitalised.

“Children who are experiencing dehydration, prolonged fever and fatigue, having chronic diseases or without guardians will receive treatments in the wards as well,” he said.

Previously, Dr Noor Hisham announced that individuals who test positive for Covid-19 and are in categories 1 and 2A do not need to go to an assessment centre (CAC) if they are not considered high-risk patients.

The ministry reported that a total of 927 Categories 1 and 2 cases were hospitalised on Tuesday (Feb 15) due to the reasons stated.

The country recorded 22,133 new Covid-19 cases, which brought the cumulative infections to 3,083,683.

“Out of 22,133 new cases recorded, only 0.06% (146 cases) were in Categories 3, 4 and 5.

“Meanwhile, the remaining 99.34% were in Categories 1 and 2,” Dr Noor Hisham said.

The infectivity rate or Rt in the country was 1.38.

Labuan led with the highest Rt rate at 1.94, followed by Sarawak and Sabah, both at 1.56.