PUTRAJAYA – The number of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia increased to 6,796 in the week of Nov 26 to Dec 2, up from 3,626 in the previous week.

Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, director-general of health at Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, said the rate of Covid-19 patient admission to health facilities, including suspected cases, was 3.5 per 100,000 population, with one per 100,000 population having mild symptoms.

Bed occupancy in intensive care units was 0.8 per cent, while the occupancy rate for non-critical cases was 1.1 per cent, he added.

Dr Muhammad Radzi said 72.9 per cent of the variants of concern detected were Omicron, followed by 26.2 per cent Delta, and the rest Beta and Alpha.

“So far, no new variant has been detected in Malaysia, and there are no signs that variants transmitted locally are more infectious or cause more serious disease,” he said in a statement on Dec 11, Bernama reported.

He added that despite the rise in Covid-19 cases, the situation in Malaysia was under control and did not burden healthcare facilities.

“An increase in cases was reported globally. The Health Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and variants, and be prepared for any eventuality,” he said.

Covid-19 patients, especially those from high-risk groups, are advised to quickly consult a doctor if their symptoms worsen, while individuals with symptoms should rest at home and avoid crowded places.

Symptomatic individuals are advised to wear a face mask if they have to go to a public place. High-risk groups are encouraged to do the same.

Covid-19-positive individuals who are in a high-risk group can get the Paxlovid antiviral treatment at the nearest health clinic to reduce the risk of developing complications from serious infections.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK