- ANTARA/Virna P Setyorini.
VIVA – Malaysia is currently facing a small wave of COVID-19 with a 16.5 percent increase in new cases over the past week. Health Minister of Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin said that during the period October 23 to 29, 2022, new cases of COVID-19 from 14,525 to 16.017 cases during the previous week.
According to Khairy Jamaluddin, the number of COVID-19 patients in health facilities increased by 14 percent in the same period, but most patients only experienced mild symptoms. The use of the emergency room or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) only increased by 200 units.
“It means that we are currently dealing with a small wave. It is uncertain whether this small wave will become a bigger wave. It depends on the actions of the community in the next 1 to 2 weeks,” the Health Minister of Malaysia remarked.
Petugas kesehatan di Malaysia bersiap melakukan tes COVID-19.
- The Straits Times
However, Khairy said, from the seriousness of the situation, the current condition does not show anything worrisome. He said the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) was aware of the trend of increasing cases and reminded the public to be careful and vigilant.
“Moreover, Malaysia will enter into the campaign period for the general election,” Khairy remarked.
He added that there will be many gatherings with large numbers of people, involving a lot of interaction with the public and the community.
Ilustrasi COVID-19/virus corona.
- Pixabay/mattthewafflecat
Khairy said, because of that, KKM reminded the public that Malaysia is currently still in the transition phase to the COVID-19 endemic. He added that the waves of COVID-19 transmission will come and go, the number of cases will ebb and flow, and perhaps the next few weeks the trend will increase.
However, he insists that everything is under control. Although the use of masks is no longer mandatory and is voluntary, he said.
Right now, the public is strongly encouraged to use it, especially in closed areas that are crowded with visitors and for those who are at high risk, such as residents aged 50 years and over or people with chronic diseases.
