Dr Noor Hisham Predicts The COVID-19 Curve Can Only Be Flattened By May 2021

On the first day of the reimposed Movement Control Order (MCO), 13 January, the Health director-general said the ministry is hoping that the curb on movement can reduce the number of COVID-19 cases in the country, eventually flattening the curve by May this year.

However, he admitted it may be too early to tell but the MOH will actively keep track of data and progress in these coming two weeks.

"In my opinion, we probably won't be able to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases [in these two weeks]. But we will be able to prevent the cases from increasing," Dr Noor Hisham said in the daily COVID-19 press conference yesterday.

"If we implement the MCO for four weeks, we can hopefully reduce the cases to below 1,000, and then 500. Then the hospitals will have better capacity to treat and isolate patients."

"If we implement the MCO, followed by the conditional MCO, then we might be able to successfully flatten the curve by May or June," he said.

"If everyone stays at home and adheres to the guidelines, we can break this chain of COVID-19 infections. If you have to go out, please remember to follow the standard operating procedures (SOP), wear a mask, wash your hands, and practise physical distancing."