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SEREMBAN – The Health Ministry expects a slight increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the next few weeks following the detection of a small wave of Omicron XBB subvariant infections in the country.
Caretaker health minister Khairy Jamaluddin however advised the public not to be alarmed by the development but to always stay vigilant, as the country was still in the transition to the endemic phase.
“We have detected the XBB strain in Malaysia, but so far it has not led to an increase in terms of hospital admissions and deaths, that is the most important measurement.
“To what extent cases will increase, my officials at the ministry are making a projection based on the infection model we have before, and next week I will be able to give a more accurate projection,” he told reporters after presenting devices under the Keluarga Malaysia Student Device programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Seremban campus here today.
It was reported earlier that Singapore’s Health Ministry had announced that the number of Covid-19 cases in the city-state had increased since last month, mainly caused by the Omicron XBB subvariant, with the wave of XBB infections expected to peak in mid-November.
Khairy said that though there was the possibility of an increase in cases in Malaysia, for now, the ministry had no plans to reinstate any restrictions – including enforcing a mask mandate.
“The transition to the endemic phase must take into account the mutation of the virus to a new variant, if an unexpected new variant can increase infectivity, effects, and symptoms, only then will we review (the face mask requirement) – but so far it is not necessary,” he said.
He said the ministry has not introduced additional measures for individuals commuting between Johor Baru and Singapore, but it constantly monitors and has been in contact with Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung regarding the matter.
Meanwhile, he said the ministry has sent a proposed standard operating procedure to the Election Commission (EC) for the coming general election, with no additional measures or restrictions being introduced.
“I see that the situation is under control so we don’t want any restrictions. If you want to hold a talk, you are free to do so, but wear a mask in a crowded place. The ministry has given its recommendations to the EC so that voting can be conducted safely,” he said.
Earlier, during the handover ceremony, Khairy said digital devices were no longer a luxury but a necessity as numerous information on courses and research were available online.
“This programme is an investment, and so far it is for the B40 group, but it may be expanded further,” he added. – Bernama, October 21, 2022
