Covid-19 cases in Malaysia and Singapore skyrocket

The Singapore and Malaysian health ministries have both warned of a spike in the number of nCoV infections in recent days, recommending that people take preventive measures.

Malaysia said on December 3 that the number of Covid-19 cases had increased by 57.3%, with more than 3,600 cases reported in the week from November 19 to 25. Previously, the country recorded just over 2,300 cases from November 12 to 18. Health Minister Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said 48% of the cases were people aged 20 to 40, of whom 98 showed mild symptoms.

The country also recorded 8 Covid-19 outbreak clusters, with a total of 121 suspected cases. The outbreak clusters are mainly concentrated in schools or facilities related to theeducation sector.

According to Mr. Hassan, the bed occupancy rate in the intensive care unit (ICU) is currently 0.4%, and the number of beds for non-serious Covid-19 cases is 0.9%.

During this outbreak, Malaysia recorded a total of four Omicron variants, all of which are considered to be of concern. He noted in particular the BA.2.86 variant first reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 24.

According to Dr. Hassan, the number of Covid-19 cases is increasing, but the situation is still under control, not putting pressure on medical facilities. The Ministry has instructed staff and doctors to proactively monitor and increase vigilance when the number of patients increases, paying special attention to people with acute respiratory symptoms.

"High-risk groups such as the elderly, people with chronic diseases, those with poor immunity and pregnant women should wear masks when going out. The whole country needs to implement the method of testing, reporting, isolating, notifying and tracing," he said.

People wearing face masks while walking on the streets of Singapore. Photo: Straits Times — People wearing face masks while walking on the streets of Singapore. Photo: *Straits Times*

Outside Malaysia, Singapore ’s Covid-19 cases have also doubled. The country has reported a number of other respiratory illnesses. In the week from November 19 to 25, the number of positive cases increased from 10,700 to more than 20,000. The average daily hospital admissions and ICU admissions remained stable.

As of November 27, the country recorded the dominant variant EG.5 and its subtype (HK.3), accounting for more than 70% of cases. According to the Ministry of Health, the epidemic is increasing due to many factors such as the year-end travel season and people's gradually weakening immunity. There is currently no sign that the variant is more transmissible or causes more severe symptoms, the Ministry of Health added.

As temperate countries report a surge in respiratory infections, officials say the situation in Singapore remains stable. Locally, authorities have not reported any serious cases, including in children.

Earlier, WHO reported an increase in respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) in the Northern Hemisphere. Temperate countries expect an increase in cases in the winter months.

Thuc Linh (According to CNA, Straits Times )

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