State Disaster Management Committee notes 144 new cases today

Health minister points to emergence of new variants, rising hospitalisation rates, increase in new cases
In effort to reduce Covid-19 infection risks, only selected categories of patients can be accompanied

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin says at least 10% of student population must be checked

Announcement follows emerging B.1.1.529 strain detected in S. Africa

New restrictions will take effect from Sunday

State govt to set up special task force with support of social welfare, education authorities

Non citizens who have visited the countries will not be allowed in

B.1.1.529 strain also detected in Botswana, Hong Kong among travellers from country of origin

German health sector has had to call on hospitals elsewhere in EU for help

This follows last reported youngest victim, a 38-week-old child in Kuala Lumpur
