ALOR STAR – As many as 750 medical workers from public and private health facilities in the state have tested positive for Covid-19 from last year to July 31, despite a majority of them being fully vaccinated.
Kedah Health director Dr Othman Warijo said 85 cases were reported last year, involving 0.36% of all healthcare staff in the state, and 665 cases (2.83%) were reported this year, as of July 31.
He said the infections involved nurses, dental officers, medical staff and specialists, assistant medical staff, allied health professionals, healthcare assistants, as well as administration and support services staff.
“The increase in the rate is parallel with the rise in Covid-19 cases in the state.
“The consolation is that 99.7% of cases detected this year are asymptomatic, with most either in Category 1 or 2,” he said in a statement yesterday, adding that no deaths have been recorded.
Kedah Health Department records showed that 59% of the cases involving medical workers occur outside worksites, but infections in the workplace still happen and need immediate attention.
“To address this issue, all healthcare workers in the public and private sectors, and volunteers are advised, trained and monitored to comply with preventive and control measures in the workplace,” said Dr Othman.
Kedah has recorded more than 56,000 Covid-19 cases – the highest in the northern region.
Its districts with the highest number of infections are Alor Star, Baling, Langkawi, Kulim and Kuala Muda. – The Vibes, August 9, 2021
