KUALA LUMPUR – More vaccines and health assets will be moved to Sabah, Johor, Penang, Kedah, and Kelantan to address surges of Covid-19 cases in these states, said newly minted Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Khairy said this involved efforts similar to the Greater Klang Valley Task Force on Covid-19 in intensifying focus and efforts in states with a high number of cases.
“Not only will they receive more vaccines, but we will also start moving more manpower and health assets from states that do not require them.”
Khairy also said the country must accept the reality that although it will reach a stage where the pandemic is controlled, it must also prepare to live with the virus once it becomes endemic.
He said it would involve observing standard operating procedures and making behavioural changes, but would still allow various sectors to operate and allow people to go about their daily lives.
This was echoed by Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah in his statement that Malaysians have to start accepting that Covid-19 will be endemic after cases have been brought under control.
“Besides vaccination, there is a need for behavioural change and to adhere to SOPs as part of life with Covid-19. This will allow more sectors to reopen in the new normal.”
Meanwhile, Khairy said the Health Ministry will be releasing granular data regarding Covid-19 infections beginning next week.
He said the information provided would be more detailed than before and would ensure the ministry was transparent.
“We will emphasise transparency more, so that there will be no more accusations of secrecy, or information walled away from the public.
“The ministry will increase its transparency by making more granular data available to the public.”
Khairy added that the government is not proposing to remove the mandatory mask requirement, even when the country reaches the endemic stage of the pandemic.
He said the ministry is looking to reduce the number of brought-in-dead cases (BID), and that the high numbers of such cases are mostly due to the swift deterioration of category 1 and 2 patients, with some cases turning fatal in only 24 hours.
“That is why we are asking the families of those quarantined to constantly monitor their condition,” he said.
Khairy also urged patients who showed signs of worsening symptoms to contact their closest Covid-19 assessment centre, or 999 to receive immediate medical attention. – The Vibes, September 1, 2021
