Nearly 5,000 Covid cases reported in last week of April

A total of 4,963 Covid-19 infections were reported during the 17th epidemiological week (ME 17) from April 23 to 29, the health ministry said today, a 3% increase from the 4,817 cases reported the week before. 

In a statement, health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said this was in line with the reporting of Covid-19 data during festive seasons in recent years. 

The number of Covid-19 admissions to public health facilities, including patients with suspected infection, also increased from 4.8 per 100,000 population to 5.8 per 100,000 population from the week before. 

The number of patients in Category One and Two increased from 1.4 to 1.8 per 100,000 population while the number of patients in Category Three to Four increased from 1.3 to 2.0 per 100,000 population.

The percentage of non-critical and ICU beds used at Covid-19 facilities went up 3.0% respectively while the percentage of Covid-19 patients in need of breathing assistance increased by 0.2%.

The percentage of Covid-19 bed occupancy at ICUs as of May 4 was 15%, while the percentage of non-critical Covid-19 bed occupancy was 23%. 

Radzi said the Covid-19 situation in Malaysia remained under control, and that health services and hospital capacity was not affected. 

"The majority of hospitalised patients are high-risk groups such as individuals with comorbidities and the elderly, but the increase has not burdened health services and hospitals are still operating as usual," he said. 

As of ME 17, there were 33 active Covid-19 clusters. 

Radzi said the health ministry expected a slight increase in Covid-19 infections following public movements during the Hari Raya and Wesak Day celebrations. 

"The health ministry encourages people to wear face masks if they experience any symptoms while visiting others, in order to protect their family, neighbours and friends from getting infected with Covid-19," he added.