KUCHING: Malaysia now has 153 new confirmed Covid-19 cases, bringing the tally of positive cases up to 1,183 cases.
In a statement issued by the Health Ministry (MoH), its director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah revealed that out of the figure, 90 cases were related to the ‘tabligh’ gathering cluster at Jamek Seri Petaling Mosque.
Apart from that, 19 MoH personnel and 5 officers from private health facilities were also among the positive cases for the virus.
“Two of them are now being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“Causes of infection for all 19 MoH health personnel were not due to their non-compliance while handling Covid-19 cases at their respective facilities.
“Investigation results revealed that all of them were close contacts of the first and second generation of the tabligh pilgrims,” he said.
The ministry reminded all health and medical staff who were treating patients of the importance of using face masks as well as maintaining good hygiene, especially by washing their hands properly and frequently.
Dr Noor said as of Mar 14, 337 MoH members had undergone the Covid-19 screening test. Of these, 251 were negative while the remaining 86 were awaiting test results.
As at press time, 37 positive cases are being treated in the ICU. From the number, 23 cases are in need of respiratory assistance.
He also reported that six new Covid-19 deaths were recorded with one from Tawau, one from Melaka, two from Kuching, one from Kuala Lumpur and one from Kota Bharu.
He also added that 27 Covid-19 patients had recovered from the virus infection and were discharged yesterday. It brings the cumulative total of cases that were discharged to 114 cases.
Dr Noor stated that the ministry was working closely with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers were also covered in preventive and control activities undertaken by the government. This was to prevent the spread of any potential infection in the community.
On tracking participants of the ‘tabligh’ gathering, UNHCR, he said, had partnered with Imaret, Muslim Relief Agency and Mercy Malaysia. MoH also participated in this activity through the involvement of members at the District Health Office level.
The joint team will be distributing information about the Covid-19 infection to refugees and asylum seekers. It will also explain the importance of getting immediate treatment if the refugees have symptoms of Covid-19 infection even though they did not attend the rally.
