KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 13): The Health Ministry is telling Malaysians to mask up again and resume Covid-19 prevention measures after reported Covid-19 cases in the country nearly doubled in a week to 12,757 cases last week (Dec 3 to 9), from 6,796 cases in the prior week (Nov 26 to Dec 2).
In a statement, health director general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan advised the public, especially those with symptoms and high risk groups such as the elderly and pregnant women, to always mask up — particularly in closed, narrow, or crowded spaces.
The Health Ministry, he said, is anticipating a further rise in Covid-19 cases in the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, as well as the school holiday season that is starting on Dec 16.
He said Covid-19 cases have been on the rise globally, including in a few neighbouring countries, and the increase in reported cases in Malaysia reflects this trend, which seems to occur towards the end of each year, as has been reported in other countries.
Nevertheless, he said the majority of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia experience light symptoms and do not need hospital treatment.
He also assured that the overall situation in Malaysia remains under control and does not burden the country's existing health facilities.
"In terms of hospital capacity, the number of Covid-19 patients admitted (including suspected cases) to health facilities for the use of non-critical beds have risen to 1.4% last week compared to the week before that. Likewise, the use of beds in intensive care units for Covid-19 cases has risen to 1.4%, while the percentage of patients needing the use of respiratory aid devices has risen to 0.5%," he said.
A total of 26 cases of the latest Omicron variant was reported last week, comprising 21 cases of variants of concern, and five cases of variants of interest.
The Omicron subvariants found are mostly XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5 and EG.5. These variants are highly infectious but do not result in severe cases, said Radzi.
He further recommended that those infected — especially those aged 60 and above, have low immune system or any comorbidities, are obese or have a compromised immune system — to be treated with Paxlovid.
"Paxlovid is effective when taken within five days from the day symptoms start. Therefore, it is recommended that high-risk patients undergo testing as soon as they have symptoms. If found to be positive, please seek an initial medical evaluation at the nearest health facility to determine if you should take Paxlovid," he added.