BY: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
Kuala Lumpur: Starting at the beginning of April 2023, the number of admissions of COVID-19 patients to hospitals has increased by 17.6% compared to March 2023.
However, this trend does not burden health services and hospitals are still operating as usual.
According to the Malaysian Health Minister, Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the majority of patients admitted to Adaiah Goiongan Hospital are at high risks such as the elderly and individuals with comorbidities.
“However, most cases have mild symptoms, are stable and the COVID-19 situation remains unworried.
“From 2023 until April 11, the death of COVID-19 was reported only with a death rate (Case Fatality Rate – CFR) of 0.3% (compared to the Delta wave with a high CFR of 2.1%) 63.8% for patients aged 60 and above, while 90.7% is among individuals with comorbidities.
“The death of patients who have never been vaccinated is six times higher than patients who received a booster dose.
“Based on data up to 11 April 2023, only 50% (16,325,561) of the Malaysian population have received the first booster dose and only 2.5% (818,420) have received the second booster dose. The risk of hospitalization and severity of symptoms can be reduced with the intake of a booster dose,” she said in a media statement today.
The public, especially high-risk individuals, are advised to get a booster dose due to decreased immunity (waning immunity) within 3 to 6 months from the last dose.
The Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM), reminds the public to practice TRIIS (TEST, REPORT, INFORM, ISOLATE & SEEK) https:l/covid-19.moh.gov.my/semasa-kkm2022/12terus-amalkan-triis-untuk-safety-together.
“The coming festive season, people are encouraged to wear face masks when going to crowded and cramped public places where physical distancing is difficult to practice such as in Ramadan bazaars and during Hari Raya celebrations.
“MoH will continue to monitor the situation of COVID-19 as well as the variants found inside and outside the country in addition to ensuring that health services are prepared in an optimal condition for ensure the well-being of the people to live with the COVID-19 virus,” she said.
