By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, June 23 — The rise in sporadic Covid-19 cases in the country poses a danger to high-risk groups, says the Selangor Task Force Operations (STFO).
Its director Dr Mohammad Farhan Rusli said individuals categorised as sporadic cases should be isolated immediately to prevent the spread of the infection and to protect the safety of others within the community.
He said those considered high-risk include children, senior citizens of 65 years old and above, people with chronic conditions and low immunity as well as pregnant women.
“When high-risk individuals are exposed to sporadic cases, the infection poses a danger to them and many have required treatment at the intensive care unit (ICU).
“People who have yet to be vaccinated are also at risk when exposed to sporadic infections. It is important to isolate the sporadic cases for the safety of others,” he told SelangorKini when contacted yesterday.
Dr Mohammad Farhan also said that holistic Covid-19 mass screenings have to be increased to be able to trace the sporadic cases.
“Mass testings have to be carried out so that the spread within the community could be stopped,” he said.
On Monday, Selangor recorded the highest number of sporadic Covid-19 cases with a total figure of 151,727. The district registering the highest figure is Petaling with 3,905 sporadic cases, followed by Hulu Langat (2,783) and Klang (2,482).
Meanwhile, Dr Mohammad Farhan said localities involved in the third phase of the Selangor’s free community testing that is still recording a high number of cases should have another round of screening held in targetted locations.
He said the focus is needed in such areas as the local residents may be the cause behind the spread of the outbreak.
“As of now, all of the state constituencies involved in phase three last weekend has recorded an infectivity rate of 6 per cent, except for Seri Setia at 5.7 per cent.
“Upon receiving the results, the areas that recorded high infectivity rate should be reviewed and the screenings can be held at several targetted addresses which could be the point of infection,” he said.
Dr Mohammad Farhan added that the recorded numbers from the five state constituencies show that the infection is still within the community and that the state government’s mass screening initiative would trace those suspected positive for Covid-19 in order to reduce the number of infection.
The thirds phase of the programme had kicked off in eight state constituencies that recorded over 5 per cent infectivity rate during phase 2.
On Saturday and Sunday the operations were carried out in Seri Setia, Taman Medan, Sungai Tua, Gombak Setia and Taman Templer.
The screenings will continue on June 26 in Kajang and in Hulu Klang and Bukit Antarbangsa the following day.
