PUTRAJAYA, 10 JULY: Active detection and screening actions in the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) areas have resulted in a recent increase in daily Covid-19 instances in Selangor. Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, the Minister of Health, claimed that 25,005 screenings were conducted on July 6 compared to 19,614 on July 5, and that the number of tests was raised in the following days.
“Selangor had 4,400 instances yesterday and 4,152 on July 8. We can see additional contact tracing operations and screenings in the EMCO zones based on this data. Increased screenings are predicted in the EMCO zones due to anticipated public health actions.”
Dr. Adham made the remarks at a special news conference held here today to discuss the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) preparedness strategies for dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic in the Klang Valley.
To prevent and stop the spread of Covid-19, he stated, aggressive detection and screening efforts in the EMCO zones must be performed.
Individuals who tested positive were isolated and treated according to the infection category, with patients in categories four and five of the five-category Covid-19 disease, namely those with pneumonia and requiring oxygen and respiratory assistance, being admitted to the hospital for intensive care.
Asymptomatic persons must be identified by contact tracing so that they can be segregated from the population and continuing transmission is prevented.
“The virus has a 14-day incubation period, but the new variety can take up to 21 days. As a result, we will witness an increase in operations to detect, trace, and screen in the next 14 days “he stated
Because the tests are also used to detect asymptomatic illnesses, Dr. Adham predicted that there will be an upward trend before a reduction, as positive cases are isolated and treated.
Apart from tracking daily cases, he noted, the immunization rate is also crucial in dealing with Covid-19 since it might reduce hospital admissions and fatalities, as well as save more lives.
In addition, Dr. Adham stated that the Ministry of Health has chosen to undertake immunization in EMCO-affected areas across the country after those who tested positive have been quarantined.
“The EMCO period is 14 days, therefore health staff will do checks throughout that time. Those who tested negative will be offered a date for their immunization. After the EMCO is over, they must get vaccinated as quickly as possible “he stated
Dr. Adham, speaking about the Ministry of Health’s readiness to manage Covid-19, indicated that non-Covid-19 patients are being outsourced or decanted to private or district hospitals.
The move aims to increase hospital bed capacity for Covid-19 treatment in the Klang Valley./n
