KUALA LUMPUR – Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah is mulling a stricter and more targeted approach for Covid-19 red zones, after the country today recorded its highest daily tally yet at 2,539 cases.
He said five clusters have been detected as a result of interstate travel.
Based on today’s figure, the Health Ministry said the coronavirus’ infectivity rate may be at 1.2, and Dr Noor Hisham said the aim is to reduce it to at least 0.5.
He acknowledged that hospital beds are filling up, and there may be delays in transporting Covid-19 patients to hospitals.
The ministry is studying options to improve the healthcare system and lower the infectivity rate, he said.
“We are considering whether asymptomatic patients can be quarantined at home. We are also working with the National Security Council to determine if patients can be housed in quarantine centres.”
He said the one-size-fits-all approach to the pandemic may not be suitable anymore.
He stressed the need for a targeted “circuit breaker” approach to contain the virus, as well as stricter border controls to protect green zones.
The government must look into bringing down the number of daily cases to around 200, he said, adding that the Health Ministry is working together with the National Security Council to come up with new strategies for high-risk areas.
“If we look at Sarawak, those returning or visiting the state must first be tested and confirmed free of the virus before they can enter the community.
“I hope that with the wisdom of the government, they will lead and make the right decision.” – The Vibes, January 6, 2021
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