GEORGE TOWN – The new Covid-19 wave is probably driven by the Delta variant, which is believed to have outpaced the Health Ministry’s contact-tracing capabilities.
Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said Delta has made it almost impossible to mitigate infections due to its quick spread.
Malaysia today logged its highest-ever daily tally of 24,599 coronavirus cases, with Penang claiming 2,078.
Giving an example, Dr Lee said if 10 individuals were eating together in a hotel room with poor ventilation, all of them would have gotten infected if one person was an unsuspecting carrier of the Delta variant.
He told The Vibes that adopting preventive measures and ensuring everyone is vaccinated are the best way to stem infections.
“Public gatherings not involving food and drink are better than those that do, as everyone would be without a mask (in the latter situation).
“This also goes for those who are fully vaccinated, simply because there are no guarantees due to the emergence of new variants out there.”
Existing vaccines do not offer full protection because of Covid-19 strains’ ability to become adaptive and resistant, he said.
“There is no 100% efficacy, but the consolation is that studies have proven that vaccines can deter serious illness, and in many cases, prevent hospitalisations.
“What Malaysia is witnessing now is similar to the United States, where despite 60% of its population having been vaccinated, the country continues to record high case numbers daily.
“This is because the current wave is driven by those who are unvaccinated, and new variants.”
Meanwhile, Penang Medical Practitioners’ Society president Dr Paramjit Singh advised those who have undergone self-tests to report themselves to the Health Ministry if they get a positive result, instead of just opting to self-quarantine at home.
“There is a possibility of under-reporting going on in Penang,” he said when asked to comment on the state breaching the 2,000-case mark today.
He urged people to be transparent about their health status, as this can help the authorities contain the pandemic. – The Vibes, August 26, 2021
