GEORGE TOWN – In some cases, contract tracing outranks the importance of identifying the symptoms because during the current third wave of the virus, many of those who tested positive went asymptomatic for up to two weeks, Penang Medical Practitioners' Society president Dr Parmjit Singh said.
Speaking to The Vibes here, Parmjit said that the symptoms at the time of testing are also intertwined with the common cold, which complicates the fight to contain the pandemic.
"If one has a fever, it does not mean one is Covid-19 positive. It could be any other viral bug."
He suggests that if anyone has come into close contact with a positive carrier, they should self-isolate before subjecting themselves to testing. It is the best way to cut the transmission curve.
Contact tracing means everyone must know who they are socialising with and to ask pertinent questions such as whether the person is from a red zone, are they close contacts with anyone who has tested positive and whether they are experiencing symptoms, said Parmjit.
It is difficult but to fight an all-invading virus such as Covid-19, everybody needs to be transparent and honest, Parmjit stressed.
He said that doctors at private clinics are now asked to also wear gloves and use face shields, besides wearing surgical masks when treating patients.
"We need to take more precautions in view of the rise in cases."
Parmjit said that there is also a need to better define clusters, so the medical fraternity can be better prepared to treat the outbreak in such areas.
It is also up to the public to refrain from unnecessarily exposing themselves to high-risk localities.
Penang recorded 35 cases today, swelling the numbers up to over 1,000 cases in total.
Among the notable clusters which are gaining traction due to fresh infections, are the Tembaga, Bayan and Permatang clusters.
The prison clusters at the remand facility in Datuk Keramat and in Jawi, Nibong Tebal continue to show positive cases.
Meanwhile, state executive councillor in charge of health; Dr Norlela Ariffin has urged the people here to only read the official accounts released by the Health Ministry.
"If it comes from the officialdom, it is true. Other than that, we need to verify."
She urged the people not to panic and to rest assured that everything is being done to fight the virus despite how disheartening it is to note that the figures continue to rise here. – The Vibes, November 3, 2020.
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