Details of heightened Covid-19 alert system to be announced soon: Khairy

REMBAU – Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the Health Ministry (MoH) will introduce a heightened alert system to detect early signs of an increase in Covid-19 cases in the country.

He said through the system, MoH proposes that some sectors will be tightened if there is an increase in cases, but it will not be a “total lockdown”.

“I will announce the matter, including details of the situation in how this system will be applied. Maybe in a week or two.

“If we can, we want to avoid lockdowns, because lockdowns not only disrupt the economy, but (they also) have other effects on families’ well-being and mental health. I think the people may not be able to go through another lockdown,” he told reporters.

He said this after presenting assets to the Rembau district health office today. 

Khairy said thus far, the level of MoH’s health system is still under control, but there are early signs of an increase in cases. Hence, he reminds the public to not be too complacent when states transition to Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan.

“We are very worried because we have seen the early signs (of high infection cases). It has not reached a level of paralysing the health system, but the signs are very clear.”

He expressed concern on an increase in serious cases to the point of hospitalisation, especially critical ones in categories four and five.

Citing the situation in Negri Sembilan as an example, he said the number of hospital admissions has doubled in a month. On October 25, only 35 patients needed oxygen assistance statewide, but the figure yesterday increased to 70.

“If this trend continues, we will have to provide beds for critical treatment such as in the intensive care unit (ICU), and need oxygen supply to treat patients,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khairy once again urged those who had received an appointment for the booster dose to get the injection, and to not be choosy on the types of vaccine given by MoH.

He said the ministry will conduct an investigation if there are any serious side effect cases among the recipients. – Bernama, November 21, 2021