Health D-G: 14pc of Covid-19 cases involved interstate travellers

LocalPolitics
17 May 2020 • 6:09 PM MYT
Malay Mail
Malay Mail

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A general view of the traffic on the North South Highway on the first day of the conditional movement control order May 4, 2020. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) today expressed its worry over the number of travellers caught trying to make interstate trips during Ramadan and Aidilfitri season, raising the alarm that such mass travelling could affect areas which are already declared as green zones.

In his daily briefing, its director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that to date, 971 of those who tested positive for Covid-19, were those who made interstate trips.

“As of May 17, 2020, 971 Covid-19 positive cases (or 14.1 per cent) of the total Covid-19 cases (6,894 cases) have a history of interstate travels.

“In addition, 18 clusters out of the total 49 clusters previously recorded in Malaysia were also related to interstate activities. Ten of these clusters are still active,” Dr Noor Hisham said.

He expressed concern over the number of Covid-19 positive cases that are closely linked to interstate trips, especially since it continues happening even after the enforcement of the conditional movement control order (CMCO).

“The public should be alert during the coming festive season as this may be a catalyst for the spread of Covid-19 infections to areas that have achieved the green (zone) status,” he added.

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