[UPDATED] 91% of BID cases unaware they had Covid-19: KJ

KUALA LUMPUR – Some 91% of Covid-19 fatalities classified as brought-in-dead between February 5 and 21 were not aware that they were infected by the coronavirus, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

He added that out of 113 BID cases that were analysed during that period, 103 were Covid-19 positive when tested during post-mortem.

In a press conference today, he said based on a survey conducted by the ministry, more than half of the affected families thought the victims had mild illnesses and not Covid-19.

“Those patients were not brought to health facilities. And when they were confirmed Covid-19 positive, it was already too late or the patients had died at home.

“We advise those with elderly parents or family members to bring them to health facilities if they experience symptoms such as high fever or persistent cough.”

Covid-19 deaths must be reported within 3 days

In related news, Khairy said the announcement of Covid-19 deaths are in line with the data received from the field every day beginning March 1.

“The ministry has improved the reporting process for fatalities and will be announced based on the figures received from the field every day.

“This is because, previously, deaths reported would only be announced after the process of registering the cases is completed at the state level and sometimes it would take a long time before the announcement is made.”

Therefore, he said, there are a number of delayed death cases, and it is a contributing factor to the backlog on the Covid-19 fatalities announcement.

To ensure the timeliness of the announcements, he said the death cases need not wait to be registered and must be reported within 72 hours after the deaths occur.

“As of March 2, the median turnaround time for reporting Covid-19 deaths in Malaysia is three days and this information is also displayed on CovidNow.”

350,000 elderly Sinovac recipients yet to receive booster jabs

Meanwhile, Khairy revealed that 350,000 senior citizens who are Sinovac vaccine recipients have yet to receive their booster jabs.

He said it is vital for this group to be inoculated with a booster shot as they may face serious Covid-19 infection and potential death without it.

“The Omicron variant is not as deadly as Delta but for senior citizens, especially those with comorbidities, it is not a mild disease.

“It is still a life-threatening disease to this group. So, please get boosted.”

Previously, the Health Ministry set the deadline for Sinovac recipients to get their booster doses by February 28, but it has now been extended to March 31.

Khairy was reported to have said that if the individuals fail to do so, their digital vaccination certificates on their MySejahtera applications would turn white, indicating that they did not receive full vaccination, thus, making it difficult to pass restrictions at certain entry points. – The Vibes, March 3, 2022