PUTRAJAYA — The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in the country today remained at double digits at 37, with only 10 involving Malaysians, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said another fatality was reported, bringing the death toll to 117, or 1.41 per cent of the total number of positive cases.
Eight of the new patients were imported cases who were infected overseas, he said.
“Of the 29 local transmissions, 19 cases involve foreigners and 10 are Malaysians.
“This brings the positive cases in Malaysia to 8,303. As such, the number of active COVID-19 cases with infectivity is 1,552. They have been isolated and given treatment,” he told a daily news conference on COVID-19 here today.
He said another 25 cases were discharged today, raising the cumulative figure for recoveries to 6,635, or 79.9 per cent of the total number of cases.
He said the 117th fatality was a 79-year-old Malaysian woman who was a close contact of positive case number 1,508.
“The woman (Case 2,296) started showing symptoms on March 18 and was admitted to Sungai Buloh Hospital on March 26 after being confirmed positive of COVID-19. She died at 2.05 pm yesterday,” he added.
He said five patients were still being treated in the Intensive Care Unit but none was on ventilator support.
Asked on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation yesterday on the use of face mask, Dr Noor Hisham said individuals with symptoms are encouraged to wear it, especially in crowded public places.
“Please be reminded that social distancing, frequent washing of hands with water and soap and other public health measures should be practised in our daily life.
“These are the most important practices that need to be observed by all strata of society in our efforts to combat COVID-19. WHO will continue to conduct studies and give the latest information to all from time to time,” he added.
— BERNAMA
