KOTA BARU – Clusters linked to educational institutions continue to contribute to the rise in Covid-19 cases in Kelantan, with 26 clusters detected from January 1 to yesterday, according to the state Health Department.
Its director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said these included two clusters that were reported yesterday, namely the Kg Gemang Lama cluster involving students at the Mara Junior Science College, Jeli and the Jalan Cherodok cluster involving Sekolah Rendah Integrasi Teras Islam Tahfiz Al Khalifah in Machang.
“More than 800 students and school staff were infected with the virus as of yesterday and they are in categories one and two. All of them are now receiving treatment either in hospitals, quarantine centres or undergoing isolation at home.
“Most of them get infected in school dormitories and we have taken immediate action to curb the spread of the virus,” he said here, today.
Dr Zaini said Kota Baru had the highest number of educational institution clusters with 10 clusters, followed by Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Pasir Puteh (three clusters each); Pasir Mas and Tumpat (two clusters each); and Jeli, Machang and Tanah Merah (one cluster each).
Apart from the educational institution clusters, he said three other cluster categories also contributed to the increase in Covid-19 cases in the state, namely workplaces, which recorded seven clusters; community (six); and high-risk groups (one).
“A total of 40 clusters have been detected in the state as of January 28.
“It is expected that the number of cases will continue to increase during the Chinese New Year holidays on February 1 and 2 due to the interstate movement,” he said.
Dr Zaini advised the public to continue to comply with the standard operating procedures, avoid mass gatherings and get tested with a self-test kit or undergo self-quarantine at home if they experience symptoms of Covid-19. – Bernama, January 26, 2022
