MOH: Data Collected From Other Countries Show A Spike In Cases After Holiday Seasons
Malaysia recorded 78 new COVID-19 cases within the past day.
By Arisha Rozaidee — 22 May 2020, 05:25 PM
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), there are currently two districts classified as COVID-19 red zones in the country
They are Pedas in Negeri Sembilan, as well as Pudu in Kuala Lumpur. However, Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham stressed that interstate travel is still banned.
He explained that this policy was implemented to reduce the exodus of Malaysians going back to their hometowns.
Dr Noor Hisham said, "MOH is mainly concerned about the upcoming festive season. Based on the data collected from other nations, we can see that two weeks after a holiday season, there is usually a spike in cases."
"This is not just the responsibility of the government or MOH. Everyone needs to be responsible and abide with standard operating procedures (SOPs). Avoid or completely refrain yourselves from making Hari Raya visits."
Over the last 24 hours, 78 new COVID-19 cases were reported
During the press conference announcing the daily COVID-19 updates, Dr Noor Hisham said that this brings the number of cases in Malaysia to a total of 7,137.
Out of the total, 1,163 are classified as active cases.
He also explained that there are 25 imported cases from Malaysians who contracted the disease while overseas.
Meanwhile, 63 patients have fully recovered within the past day
5,859 patients have been discharged from hospitals since the disease was first identified in the country and MOH's official Twitter account noted that the current recovery rate in Malaysia is 82.09%.
Nine patients are currently receiving treatment in Intensive Care Units, with five of them requiring breathing assistance.
