KUALA LUMPUR – Eight new clusters have been detected, contributing to the 660 new Covid-19 cases reported today.
Now, active clusters in the country total 167.
The new clusters are Sabaru, Tomher and Garden (Sabah); Putra-18 (Putrajaya and Selangor); Murni (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur); Seri Pasir (Penang); Besi Demak (Sarawak); and, Parit Kassan (Johor and Melaka).
“Of the 167 clusters, including the eight new clusters, 39 have recorded new cases, whereas there is no increment detected in the remaining 129 clusters as of today,” said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah in his daily update.
He said Sabah recorded the highest number of cases today at 387, followed by Selangor (139).
Terengganu and Pahang are the only states to not record fresh cases.
Dr Noor Hisham welcomed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decision to proclaim a state of emergency in Sabah’s Batu Sapi, which had been scheduled for a by-election on December 5.
“The Health Ministry has, since the beginning, been worried about not only by-elections, but also state elections and general elections. We have consistently recommended that any polls be avoided if possible.
“After the Sabah election, we have increased cases of Covid-19 and other related issues, which make it more difficult for us to curb the virus.
“We need to avoid having any more elections so that we can prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country.”
The national tally now stands at 50,390, with 322 fatalities.
Another 630 recoveries were recorded, taking the total to 37,254.
Of the fresh infections, four are imported cases.
There are 103 coronavirus patients in intensive care, with 41 on ventilators. – The Vibes, November 18, 2020