Positive sign as Covid-19 cases on a downward trend

PETALING JAYA: Covid-19 cases have been showing a downward trend according to data from the KKMNow website.

The country recorded a total of 4,029 cases in the last 14 days as of Feb 10. Hospitalisations also saw a downward trend with 1,257 cases reported while bed utilisation was 65.2%.

A total of seven deaths were recorded in the same period.

Two cases were reported in Penang, with one case each in Johor, Pahang, Perak, Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.

There were four active cases in the intensive care unit (ICU) and three patients on ventilators.

Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah said a downward trend of Covid-19 cases is also being seen by general practitioners.

“We have also seen a fewer number of Covid-19 cases since January. It peaked in December.

“But it is difficult to say if the downward trend will continue. It may fluctuate depending on mutations,” said Dr Raj Kumar.

Public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin said the downward trend is a good development for the country.

He said it is an indication that there were no new virulent variants and there could be effective immunity against the virus.

“However, people need to be continuously vigilant and practise safe measures,” he said.

In January, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said there was a downturn in Covid-19 cases nationwide.

He said this was based on the measurements in the heightened alert system, whether prevalence, deaths, ICU bed usage and hospital admissions.