Dr Dzulkefly: Covid-19 cases dropping, no need for field hospitals


Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad speaking to reporters after visiting the Petra Jaya Hospital project site in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

KUCHING: The Health Ministry will not be setting up field hospitals for Covid-19 following a decrease in the cases, says minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

"In recent days, we've seen a downturn in Covid-19 cases nationwide. Looking at all the measurements in the heightened alert system, whether prevalence, deaths, ICU bed usage and hospital admissions, all are clearly showing a downward trend.

"So there is no need for a field hospital at the moment," he told reporters after visiting the construction site of Petra Jaya Hospital here on Friday (Jan 12).

However, Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry was prepared for any eventuality.

"We have now reached the stage of living with the virus, so we don't need to be too alarmed but at the same time, we cannot be careless.

ALSO READ: Long-delayed Petra Jaya Hospital in Kuching to be ready by 2025

"Continue to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others," he said.

He added that public cooperation was a factor in the drop of Covid-19 cases.

"Previously we anticipated a rise in cases in the coming festive season because we were very cautious.

"But with the public's cooperation, we're seeing a decrease in January," he added.

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