The Health Ministry has reported that Covid-19 cases in Malaysia are currently well under control, with only 0.5% of patients requiring admission to the hospital and a death rate of 0.8%. This indicates that the rates for both hospitalization and death are relatively low for the Epidemic Week ME-51 (Dec 17-23), with the majority of cases being mild and not necessitating treatment.
Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, the Health Minister, stated on Friday (Dec 29) that no new variants of Covid-19 have been detected in Malaysia thus far, and the existing variants are still Omicron, with the sub-variants being XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5, EG.5, and JN.1. He also mentioned that the current Omicron sub-variant circulating is not significantly affecting patients.
Dr Dzulkefly also emphasized that the Covid-19 virus is likely to be a part of everyday life, similar to other respiratory viruses like influenza, and advised the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle during periods of increased contagious viruses. The Health Ministry will continue to closely monitor the Covid-19 situation and any new variants that may emerge.
He further urged the public to take responsibility for their own well-being by practicing self-care, wearing face masks when necessary, following the TRIIS guidelines, and keeping their MySejahtera status updated. Dr Dzulkefly also expressed confidence that with everyone’s commitment, the Covid-19 situation in the country will remain under control.
