Covid-19 infection rate soars to 1.72

The health ministry says the Covid-19 infection rate of Rt or R naught (R0) has climbed to 1.72 from 0.72 two weeks ago, reflecting an increase in risk with more transmissions taking place in the community.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the significant increase also meant that people might be becoming more negligent and disregarding the SOPs.

Based on the health ministry’s assessment, he said, there was also an increase in community movement.

“The advice that has been given is starting to be taken lightly, and this includes frontline staff among health workers as well as other agencies.

“Frontline workers are at high risk of being infected with Covid-19 or other infectious diseases while in government or private health facilities,” he said at a press conference in Putrajaya yesterday.

He said health workers could also become infected while in the community.

“Therefore, 100% compliance with guidelines and procedures while on duty and off-duty is very important.

“Non-compliance with the guidelines will result in the transmission of Covid-19 infections,” he said, giving the example of a health worker from the River cluster who infected seven other members of his family.

“Take precautions, take care of ourselves and our families at all times.”