KUALA LUMPUR – The worrying spike in the Covid-19 mortality rate – 80 deaths in the first 10 days of the year – shows that vulnerable people are contracting the virus and succumbing to it, said a health advocate.
This underscores the urgent need for early isolation and treatment, as well as a fast turnaround time when it comes to getting test results, to reduce the caseload and prevent fatalities.
Dr Arvinder-Singh HS shared a graph (below) showing statistics for the 20 days up to January 9, in which the deaths are observed to correlate with the admission of Covid-19 patients to intensive care units.
He told The Vibes that the graph also shows how the number of ICU cases and patients put on ventilators corresponds with the cumulative fatalities over the 20 days.
“Looking at the trend, the number of deaths increases as ICU cases and those on ventilators rise.”
He said the graph shows a flatline or slight increase in the middle, but this is likely due to the number of patients who were already dead upon arrival at hospital, which is “worrying”.
“We’re not as worried about the number of cases going up (as opposed to deaths), as the more tests you do, the more positives you will get. But the thing is, can we pick up cases at Tier 1 and Tier 2, meaning those who are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms?
“When you pick them up, you are preventing them from infecting vulnerable populations, who may end up with Tier 3, Tier 4, Tier 5 situations. Early isolation and early treatment are important.
“We need a fast turnaround time (to get test results). We need them (patients) to be quarantined at home or in a centre, which will stop them from infecting communities, especially the vulnerable population. The number of deaths will reduce.”
The public needs to be more cautious of the disease as infections and deaths rise, he said.
Currently, the chances of an infected person transmitting the virus to another individual stand at 1.5% if both wear masks in each other’s presence, he added.
The chances are even slimmer – close to 0% – if both wear masks and keep a 1m distance from each other, said Dr Arvinder, adding that one is “very safe” if they practise hand-scrubbing.
“So, the message here is not only to carry out mass testing, but also for the public to be vigilant.
“It becomes a duty for everybody to socially distance themselves. So, avoid the 3Cs (crowded areas, confined spaces and close conversations).”
He pointed to Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah’s concern over the 80 deaths in the first 10 days of the year, compared with the total 471 deaths in 2020.
“This means that the doubling time is going up. Being vigilant does not only mean taking preventative measures, but also immediately seeking treatment if one is not feeling well.
“If there is no business that requires going out, (stay home). Only go out for a purpose, and come home quickly.” – The Vibes, January 11, 2021
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