Health DG: Flood Relief Centres Across M’sia At Risk Of Covid-19 Infection Spread

While some parts of the world have tornadoes and others have volcanoes, we have floods.

And it’s no secret that certain locations in Malaysia are in a current state of overflow, people are seeking shelter at flood relief centres (PPS), but unfortunately, there is still no reason for relief due to the coronavirus risks.

As according to Bernama, Director General of Health Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that, to date, 18 PPS have been opened in seven districts accommodating a total of 1,267 victims from 303 families. Congestions in PPS due to the flooding across Johor, Pahang, Selangor and Melaka can carry the risk of transmission of the Covid-19 virus among flood victims and staff.

“Therefore, Covid-19 prevention measures in PPS should be practised and given attention by all occupants and agencies responsible for the management and welfare of victims in PPS,” he said.

“Occupants and staff at PPS are also advised to practice the 3W (wash, wear and warn) and avoid the 3Cs, namely, crowded and narrow areas and chatting at close range all the time other than practising social distancing and the ethics for coughing and sneezing,” he added.

He also mentioned that the Ministry of Health has developed a prevention and management guide for Covid-19 in PPs starting from the process of transferring victims to PPS until the process after completion of placement. Among the steps suggested in the guide is that all PPS should include signs to remind victims to maintain physical distance and provide soap and water or disinfectant liquid as well as regular sanitation of common areas.

Dr Noor Hisham urged PPS staff and victims to adhere to all guidelines and suggestions from the Ministry of Health is important to protect people from being infected with Covid-19.

Stay tuned for more updates. 

 

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