Covid-19: Malaysia reported no deaths and 36 new cases, the lowest daily increase since MCO

Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah

KUCHING, April 20: Malaysia reported 36 new cases of Covid-19 today, the lowest daily increase since the movement control order (MCO) was implemented on March 18.

This takes the country’s total number of confirmed cases to 5,425, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He added that the country also reported no deaths as of 12pm and the total fatality cases involving Covid-19 stood at 89.

“The decrease in the number of daily cases that we experienced recently is the result of pro-active and aggressive action by the government in detecting cases, especially in the first two weeks,” he told a daily Covid-19 press conference at Putrajaya today.

Dr Noor Hisham also announced that 98 patients have recovered and discharged, which brings the total cumulative number of recovery to 3,295 and equivalent to 60.74 per cent of the total cases.

He added that 45 positive cases are currently being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 28 of the patients require respiratory assistance.

Dr Noor Hisham warned that the number of cases may increase in the coming weeks following the return of Malaysians from other countries.

“However, the Covid-19 cases tracking activities are still ongoing, especially on Malaysian who recently returned to the country, including the locality cases that is under the enhanced movement control order,” he said.

He added that the enhanced MCO has helped the ministry to implement targeted approach activities in order to curb the spread of the outbreak since its implementation on March 27.

“Among the activities taken are population census, case detection from house to house, sample taking, disinfection and also health promotion.

“For confirmed cases of positive Covid-19, patients will be isolated in the hospital and given treatment,” he explained. — DayakDaily