Individuals who have visited or returned from Covid-19 red zones have to get tested immediately, says Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Those who have not displayed any symptoms and have recently returned or visited such zones are encouraged to self-quarantine and conduct test screening.
As of 24 September, five areas in Malaysia have been classified as red zones, namely Lahad Datu, Kunak, Tawau and Semporna in Sabah and Kota Setar in Kedah. Red zones are districts that have more than 41 Covid-19 cases.
The rapid rise in cases in the country, especially in Sabah, is becoming an increasing concern as the R0 (R-nought) value has yet to stabilise.
The R0 value indicates the average number of people that can get infected from a single infected person. An R0 value higher than one shows a strong possibility that the virus will keep spreading.
Dr Noor Hisham said that Malaysia’s R0 is currently at 1.34 as of 24 September, with Sabah’s R0 value at 1.37 and Kedah’s at 1.15. He added that Malaysia’s highest R0 value was 1.72 on 7 September and noted that the cases in Sabah and Kedah have greatly impacted the national figure.
“Consequently, much more has to be done collectively to halt the spread of Covid-19 in the community. If they have no business outside, people are advised to stay in the house,” he said, reported The Edge Markets.
“In Sabah, the National Security Council and the Election Commission have developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for campaigning and voting.”
“Please follow the SOPs regardless of status or position in society. Help the country control the spread of Covid-19,” he said.”
The battle with Covid-19 is not over yet. In fact, it could be getting worse if we do not comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set in place by the government. This is not the time to be relax as the Covid-19 virus will not stop until we ensure that we follow the rules.
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