KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has to date recorded 12 cases of the newly detected Covid-19 variant, known as Arcturus.
The variant was detected in Sarawak (six), Selangor (four) and Kuala Lumpur (two), as the number of cases dropped to 4,817 by 6.4% in the 16th epidemiological week from April 16 to 22 compared with the previous week, said the Health Ministry in a statement today.
Though Malaysia had identified the variant since March, the Covid-19 situation is still under control and does not burden health services in clinics and hospitals, said the ministry.
All the cases of Arcturus in Malaysia are moderately symptomatic and stable, while worldwide risk reports say that the Arcturus subvariant has a lower risk of infection and more serious health problems than the previously reported sub-variants.
The Health Ministry advised the public to always practise personal hygiene by washing their hands using soap or hand sanitizer.
For those who have not received the Covid-19 vaccine and booster, it is advised to immediately register and get the vaccine, advised the Health Ministry.
On April 2, the new variant was detected in 31 countries including Malaysia, the ministry added. – The Vibes, April 24, 2023
