Covid cases up by 28%

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 2,305 Covid-19 cases were reported during the 46th Epidemiology Week (ME46/2023) from Nov 12 to 18, the Health Ministry said yesterday.

Its spokesperson said the number of cases increased by 28% during the period compared with 1,801 cases the previous week from Nov 5 to 11.

“The admission rate of Covid-19 patients at health facilities, including those suspected of being infected, decreased to 2% per 100,000 population in ME46/2023 compared with previously.

“The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed occupancy rate was 0.4%, while the percentage of non-critical Covid-19 bed occupancy was 0.7%. The Covid-19 situation in the country is under control.”

The spokesperson also said in ME46/2023, a total of 21 new Omicron variants were reported. They consisted of 20 cases of Variant of Concern (VOC) and one case of Variant of Interest (VOI).

She said to date, there were currently 785 cumulative cases including circulating VOIs (XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5 and EG.5). Of this, 783 were local cases and two imported ones.

Sarawak recorded 143 Covid-19 cases while Selangor had 136, Federal Territory had 119, Malacca recorded 117, Johor registered 59, Kedah saw 52, Penang had 37, Terengganu recorded 24, Sabah registered 23, Kelantan saw 21, Negeri Sembilan had 16, Perlis recorded 12, Pahang registered eight

while Perak and Putrajaya had nine cases each.

The spokesperson said until ME45/2023, the results of nationwide surveillance activities for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (Sari) for Covid-19 found that 61 ILI samples (7%) tested positive.

“There were a total of 69 Sari samples with a positive rate of 3% in ME45/2023.

She said the ministry expects a slight increase in Covid-19 cases following the movement and gathering of relatives and friends during celebrations and group activities.

Hence, the ministry is advising the public to continue practising preventive measures such as frequently washing hands, using sanitisers and wearing face masks, especially when in closed, narrow and crowded places.

“High-risk groups such as the elderly, those with chronic diseases, low immunity and expectant mothers are also encouraged to wear face masks.”

The spokesperson also advised practising TRIIS (Test, Report, Isolate, Inform and Seek) when symptoms are present.

“We recommend those who are at high risk or have tested positive for Covid-19 to get the Paxlovid antiviral treatment.

“This will reduce the risk of complications from serious infection.

“Those who have not done so should also obtain a primary and booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of transmission of infection, morbidity and death.”