[UPDATED] Covid-19 cases in Categories 4, 5 up 10%: Adham

PUTRAJAYA – The number of Covid-19 cases in Categories 4 and 5 increased to 15% during the third wave compared with just 5% previously, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

He told a virtual press conference today that infections in the latest wave involve mostly individuals aged 20 to 40 and are sporadic, meaning they are not linked to clusters.

“The number of people seeking (treatment) for Categories 4 and 5 has increased of late. I urge the public to be more cautious, as some asymptomatic cases have been detected in these categories.  

“Those in Categories 4 and 5 require oxygen supply, and some need to be put on ventilators.”

He said 870 healthcare personnel vaccinated against the coronavirus in Phase 1 have gone on to get infected. 

Of the total, he said, 219 contracted the disease after receiving the first dose of the vaccine, and the rest, after getting their second dose.

“Most of them did not experience severe symptoms as they had received either one dose or both,” he said, adding that 449 health workers yet to get the jab have caught Covid-19.

Dr Adham thanked private hospitals that have increased the number of beds in their Covid-19 intensive care units to assist the Health Ministry’s efforts to contain the pandemic.

He said the ministry welcomes the steps taken by IHH Healthcare Malaysia, which has increased beds for coronavirus patients at 16 hospitals in its network.

“So far, 110 private hospitals have agreed to provide 1,173 beds in normal wards and 119 in ICUs for Covid-19 patients in Categories 1 to 5.”

He said the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee and Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force will meet to discuss a proposal to impose penalties on individuals who do not turn up at vaccination centres on the day of their appointment.

Dr Adham said the bed utilisation rate for Covid-19 treatment at government hospitals nationwide is at 75%, with several states having reached maximum occupancy.

He said the ministry has repurposed its medical facilities and enhanced cooperation with private and teaching hospitals to ensure sufficient beds for coronavirus patients.

“Hospitals in states such as Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan and Sarawak, as well as in the Klang Valley, have reached their maximum bed usage level. Therefore, we have repurposed normal wards to be used for Covid-19 treatment.

“We have also increased intensive care unit beds, especially in the Klang Valley, as well as the number of health personnel.”

Non-critical cases will be transferred to hospitals gazetted as non-Covid-19 facilities, he added.

He said the ministry will implement various strategies to address mental health issues, including among health workers, amid the pandemic. – Bernama, May 27, 2021