ALOR STAR – About half of the new Covid-19 cases in the state over the past few days still stem from the locals’ ignorance and poor understanding of standard operating procedures (SOPs), such as the proper way to wear a face mask and observing social distancing.
Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor told reporters that this poor attitude caused 480 of 800 cases yesterday. All 480 originated from close contacts.
This despite consistently broadcast instructions over the past year, he added, especially during the various lockdowns.
“The infection surge in Kedah is due to close contacts. It means that SOPs are not being followed.”
The high number of new cases is indicative of the need to step up the vaccination drive and registration.
At the moment, only 15% out of the two million population in the state have received their first dose, with Pulau Langkawi in the lead.
State data revealed that those who have been vaccinated but later infected are mostly in Categories 1 and 2 – either asymptomatic or only suffered from mild symptoms.
“This means that the vaccine is able to suppress the virus’ effects,” said Sanusi.
“We need to focus on treating those in Categories 3 to 5, while those in Categories 1 and 2 need to self-isolate at home for the stipulated period.”
He pointed out that containing the virus through mass vaccination is the best way to return the state to normal.
In Penang, state exco Jagdeep Singh Deo, who oversees the mass screening initiative in the state, said to date, only up to 2% of those tested were positive.
He said the high number of daily cases – between 300 and 500 – in the past few days is mostly related to close contact tracing in the manufacturing sector.
As of Tuesday, 16.2% of the 1.7 million population in the state have been vaccinated.
Penang Consumer Protection Association president Datuk K. Koris Atan said despite the onslaught of the pandemic, the quality of healthcare services must be maintained at all costs, especially in the private sector, where people pay hefty charges.
“We are hearing complaints about shoddy services, with many citing the virus as a reason behind the eroding of healthcare services. This must stop.”
Koris urged healthcare authorities to step up awareness about the virus, as it is evident that Covid-19 information has not been effectively disseminated to the public, particularly in rural areas. – The Vibes, July 22, 2021
