By: Rosli Mansor
Kuala Lumpur – Director General of Health Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah advises to continue to follow the recommendations of Practice 3W (wash, wear and warn) and Avoid 3S (crowded, confined, close). This follows an increase in the Covid-19 cluster from ME 1/2023 to ME 13/2023.
According to him, a total of 18 clusters have been reported. Of these, 11 are education clusters, five (5) are clusters of at-risk groups, and two (2) are detention centre clusters.
“Based on the reported cluster, there is a sudden increase in the education cluster in ME 13/2023,” according to a media statement about the current situation of the Covid-19 disease infection in Malaysia for Epidemiology week 13/2023 (March 26-April 1, 2023).
“MoH advises the use of a face mask is encouraged if you have symptoms, especially in crowded and congested areas.
“The use of face masks is mandatory when in health facilities and when boarding public vehicles (except in aeroplanes).
“High-risk groups such as the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, individuals with low immunity, and expectant mothers are also encouraged to wear face masks.
“Keep practising TRIIS (TEST. REPORT, INFORM, ISOLATE & SEEK). Do a COVID-19 detection test if you have symptoms, report the test results and do a self-health assessment in the MySejahtera application and get early treatment at the CAC or a nearby Health Clinic if you are from a high-risk group or if your symptoms worsen,” he said.
In the event of an emergency, individuals positive for COVID-19 are advised to go to the nearest health clinic or hospital for examination and further treatment.
High-risk groups with low immunity are recommended to receive early treatment and the antiviral drug Paxlovid if they are positive for COVID-19 and are symptomatic to avoid serious disease complications.
He added that individuals who have not received the primary dose of the vaccine and the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are advised to immediately register and get the vaccine to maintain their immunity status and prevent the infection of COVID-19 including new variants.
“The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the development of infections in and outside the country through information obtained from the WHO and the authorities of regional countries.
“In addition, the Ministry of Health always ensures that appropriate prevention and control measures are implemented continuously,” he said.
