GEORGE TOWN – Data from the newly introduced website Covidnow that shows active infections and a breakdown of cases should be analysed and followed up with targeted action.
Welcoming the government’s initiative, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said that the new reporting system not only promotes transparency, but also provides real-time, up-to-date and granular data that can help target Covid-19 hotspots in the country.
Yesterday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had said the current format of updating daily infections by state, number of deaths and vaccination rate will be replaced with the news portal, which will also release information on those undergoing isolation at home and at quarantine centres.
The portal will also display hospital capacity, including the usage rate of intensive care units and ventilators.
“Their efforts should not be wasted but granular data studied and analysed with targeted action. If Covidnow data is followed up with immediate action, this gives some hope that the whole-of-society approach involving all segments of the society can participate to win the battle against the pandemic.
“For instance, Penang had, on September 9, reported a new record high of 47 deaths with 2,243 cases. Covidnow reveals that Penang has the highest infections per capita in the country. Data over the last two weeks shows that Penang tops the country’s list with the highest 14.3 cases per thousand population compared with the national average of 8.5 cases.
“The number of deaths per 100,000 population in Penang is also creeping up at 19.2 deaths, the third highest in the country, compared with the national average of 13.1 deaths,” Lim said.
He also said ventilator utilisation in Penang is the second highest in Malaysia at 59.1%, compared with the national average of 37.5%.
The ICU occupancy rate in Penang is also the second highest in the country at 98.2%, compared with the national average of 78.4%.
Lim added that these grim statistics portend a higher number of deaths in Penang in the coming days.
He said Penang’s positivity rate of 16.02% over seven days ending September 6 is more than three times higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 5%. This indicates not only widespread under-testing but that the infection is within the community and the situation is likely to get worse before getting better.
“There is an urgent need for the federal government to pour resources and manpower, medicines, more ICU beds and facilities to care for sick patients at our overstretched hospitals to protect the safety of its staff and patients.
“Penang should also leverage on its natural competitive advantages of having the best private medical sector in Malaysia by tapping on their brains, skills and expertise.
“There can be common ground for collaboration with the state government for the public good to win the battle against Covid-19 together to save lives and livelihood.”
Penangites are also hoping for good news when Khairy starts his official visit to Penang tomorrow. – The Vibes, September 10, 2021
