KUALA LUMPUR – The state of the current Covid-19 outbreak in the greater Klang Valley is far larger than the numbers detected each day due to many asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals spreading the virus while being unaware of the infection, said Deputy Health Director-General (Public Health) Datuk Dr Chong Chee Keong.
In a statement, today, Dr Chong, who also heads the Greater Klang Valley Special Task Force (GKV-STF) said despite the vaccination ramp-up, vaccine effectiveness is best only after two weeks following the second dose.
“An important contribution is the Delta variant, which has a high infectivity rate.
“In addition, we recognise, from the experience and data of nations with high vaccination rates, that infections can still occur due to the Delta variant although hospitalisation and severe infections are significantly reduced,” he said.
As such, he said the GKV-STF has put in place a number of strategic measures to optimise care services, reduce virus transmission and support the community and health staff.
“Given the current situation, outbreak management interventions have shifted from containment to mitigation efforts, with the objective of preventing death and minimising the spread of disease.”
Among the key initiatives listed by Dr Chong include increasing capacity of beds, intensive care unit service quality, oxygen supply, manpower deployment, and use of volunteers.
“Moving non-Covid-19 patients to the private sector is also helping to free up beds. The help from our army colleagues has been invaluable in logistics and manpower support.
“(We are also) strengthening Covid-19 assessment centres (CACs) by offering a virtual CAC for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients and enhanced home monitoring management,” he said.
The GKV-STF also hopes to offer more RTK-Ag tests to health clinics and general practitioners via sales of Medical Device Authority-approved test kits to allow for wider testing.
“Home saliva test kits for self-testing are also available at pharmacies for the public to purchase and test themselves.”
Dr Chong also emphasised increased support for frontliners, both hospital and health, as well as strengthening the social and emotional support systems for the public.
“(Part of it) is by acquiring and allocating funding for the purpose of procuring additional medical equipment and medication; and attempting to improve our communication with the public on critical issues and keep all updated,” he added.
Admitting that hospital staff, health workers and management are exhausted, Dr Chong said that they will continue to serve the people and work towards overcoming this crisis. – The Vibes, July 28, 2021
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