[UPDATED] 181 flood victims infected with Covid-19: KJ

KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 181 flood victims have tested positive for Covid-19 as of 11am today, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

In a press conference at the Parliament lobby today, he said Selangor has the most cases with 117, followed by Pahang (52), Kelantan (6), and Kuala Lumpur (4), and one each in Melaka and Negri Sembilan.

“It was found that most cases are under Categories 1 and 2, and they are being moved to hospitals, low-risk quarantine and treatment centres (PKRCs), or specially designated shelters.

“There are also 206 individuals who have been identified as close contacts. They will be moved to PKRCs, special relief centres, quarantine stations or hospitals,” he said, accompanied by Health Director-General Tan Sri Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said the ministry has been carrying out screening on flood victims at temporary relief centres and will continue to do so.

“The ministry is expecting more Covid-19 cases in the near future as a result of the recent flood disaster as rescue efforts were carried out under risky situations and certain precautions could not be observed.

“But we understand the current situation. We are rescuing people from the floods. That is the priority. So we understand that in some cases, there were no masks and certain health SOPS could not be adhered to.

“Still, we have to be prepared for a surge in (Covid-19) cases. We are preparing to increase the ministry’s manpower in the affected states.”

He said that 291 personnel were deployed to Pahang as the flood disaster worsened there today.

He added that more medical supplies will be sent to the affected areas as part of the ministry’s efforts that started two days ago.

Continuous rainfall has swept through the central states of Malaysia over the past few days, triggering flash floods and landslides that have severely affected areas in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Pahang.

Thousands of victims have been evacuated from their homes to temporary shelters while many are still stranded, seeking help through social media. – The Vibes, December 20, 2021