By Ashwin Kumar
PUTRAJAYA, March 19 — Malaysia has recorded another 110 new Covid-19 cases as of noon today, bringing the total number of patients to 900, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
He said 63 of the latest cases are linked to the tabligh gathering at the Sri Petaling earlier this month.
Adham also said 20 patients are currently warded at the intensive care unit (ICU) and require ventilator support.
“As of today, 15 patients have recovered and discharged, bringing the total of discharged cases to 75,” he said at a press conference today.
When asked on the 83 Malaysians reported to have attended the tabligh gathering in Sulawesi, Indonesia, Dr Adham said those who are returning back home will go through mandatory health screening and a 14-day quarantine.
“We will provide an entry point for them where they will be screened and then they will be quarantined for 14 days at the quarantine centres that have been gazetted. This will be mandatory.
“This has to be done because they are returning back from a country that is experiencing the Covid-19 incident,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Adham said the Health Ministry had also collaborated with private hospitals and clinics for the screening and treatment of Covid-19 patients.
He said patients who have sought treatment at the private hospitals do not need to be transferred to government hospitals, while private clinics that have screened and identified positive Covid-19 patients would immediately alert the ministry.
The Health Ministry had continued to advise the public to stay home, stay hygienic and to adhere to the movement control order as measures taken to flatten the curve of the Covid-19 pandemic.
