Twentyfold increase in Covid-19 cases in Johor, says Health Exco

JOHOR BARU: There has been almost a twentyfold increase in reported Covid-19 cases in Johor in the past two weeks, says a state executive council member.

State health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon (pic) said a total of 673 positive cases have been recorded in the current week starting Dec 16 (Week 50).

"This is a significant increase from Week 48 where there were 34 positive Covid-19 cases.

"Kulai has the highest number of cases followed by Johor Baru and Batu Pahat with cases exceeding 100 in Week 50.

"Looking at this, I advise the public to take precautionary measures such as wearing a face mask, washing their hands frequently and maintaining good personal hygiene," he said on his Facebook page on Thursday (Dec 21).

Ling assured the people that the state Health Department is ready to tackle the cases.

"We also have 249 beds at 12 public hospitals and 24 intensive care units statewide on standby for Covid-19 patients in case of any hospitalisation needed," he said.

He added that those from the high-risk groups were encouraged to get their booster shot at the designated healthcare facilities, where an appointment could be easily made via the MySejahtera app.

"The Paxlovid antiviral drug treatment could be obtained through walk-ins and the list of health clinics and hospitals offering the medication is also available on the MySejahtera app. It will only be given at the emergency department on a case-by-case basis.

"I hope the people will do what is necessary as it is our individual and collective responsibility to stop the spread of the virus again," he added.