No need to panic, most Covid-19 cases in Tuaran not severe: Zaliha

SERDANG – There is no need to panic about the Covid-19 situation in Tuaran, Sabah – which has been categorised as a red zone – because most of the recorded cases involved individuals with mild or no symptoms, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

Speaking to reporters after the ministry’s Aidilfitri open house here today, she said the situation in Sabah was also under control and the cumulative number of cases recorded in the state was currently less than 100 a week.

She said the Covid-19 cases reported recently were not severe as those infected were only required to undergo isolation without hospital admission.

“If there are cases (involving categories) three, four, and five – which is quite severe – most of the cases we find involve those aged 60 and above and also individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes,” she said.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam reportedly said Tuaran had been categorised as a Covid-19 red zone due to the sudden increase in positive cases over the past week, where the district recorded 26 new cases compared to 18 cases the week before. 

Overall, the number of new cases in the 19th epidemiological week last week throughout Sabah increased by 68% to 64 cases compared to 38 cases the previous week.

Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha reminded the public to immediately seek treatment at the nearest health facility if they experience symptoms of heatstroke such as fatigue, cramps, and dehydration, adding that all health facilities had been asked to be prepared to admit such cases.

“So far, the situation is controlled and moderate because we are also monitoring the areas (hotspots) from the MetMalaysia (Meteorological Department) report,” she added. – Bernama, May 17, 2023