Covid-19: Johoreans urged to continue wearing face masks indoors

JOHOR BARU: Johor recorded 117 suspected Covid-19 cases as of Wednesday (Sept 7).

Johor health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said seven patients were in intensive care units in the state, with six on ventilator support.

"The Covid-19 situation in Johor is under control since the country entered the transition to the endemic phase on April 1, this year,'' he said.

Ling said health prevention and control activities include the Covid-19 vaccination programme as well as administration of Paxlovid, an antiviral drug to reduce the symptoms of Covid-19.

He added better public awareness on the importance of practising preventive measures has helped contribute to the reduction of Covid-19 cases in Johor.

"This is reflected with the low-rate admission of Covid-19 cases to hospitals and ICUs in the state'' said Ling.

He said the Johor government encouraged the use of face masks although its use is no longer mandatory indoors.

Ling advised the public to continue wearing their face masks at crowded places such as night markets, stadiums, shopping malls and houses of worship.

He said those with symptoms such as fever, cough and cold, as well as high-risk individuals including the elderly, those with chronic diseases, low immunity and pregnant mothers should wear their face masks both indoors and outdoors.

"We will continue to work closely with the Health Ministry to monitor the Covid-19 cases in the state,'' said Ling.

He hoped the public would not take the risk of Covid-19 infection lightly despite the Health Ministry giving the public the option to wear face masks indoors.