JOHOR BARU: The Covid-19 situation in Johor remains under control with no significant increase in the number of cases, says state health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.
He said only 41 Covid-19 cases were reported last week while the number of hospital beds being occupied was still low.
“At the moment, less than 5% of hospital beds are being used to treat Covid-19 patients and there is no significant rise in the number of cases statewide.
“However, we encourage the public to continue adhering to the existing SOP, including wearing face masks in public and crowded areas, especially those in high-risk groups such as individuals with chronic diseases,” he said.
Ling, who is also Yong Peng assemblyman, said this in a press conference after launching the Regency Specialist Hospital’s international patient lounge here yesterday.
On Sunday, Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said in a statement that there were 3,626 Covid-19 cases last week, with the majority of them comprising those aged between 20 and 40.
He said it saw a 57.3% increase from the 2,305 cases reported in ME46/2023 (Nov 12-18).
On Saturday, Singapore’s Health Ministry advised the public to remain vigilant amid the increase in Covid-19 cases in the island republic and a rise in respiratory illnesses in temperate regions.
It said that in the week of Nov 19 to 25, the estimated number of local Covid-19 infections doubled to 22,094 from 10,726 in the previous week.
On the preparation for floods, Ling said that the Johor Health Department had reminded all staff and officers of government health facilities to be ready with an action plan.
“We have also reminded them to put machines and important assets on higher ground so they won’t get wet during floods.
“In the event that a health facility is inundated, it will temporarily provide services at another location such as community hall,” he said.
He said the department was also monitoring the situation at temporary flood relief centres to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among evacuees.
“Staff from the nearest health facilities will also be providing health consultation and check-ups for flood victims,” he said.
