KUALA LUMPUR: World Health Organisation (WHO) today said all countries, including Malaysia should prepare for a possibility of a wider transmission of the Covid-19 virus.
WHO regional director for the Western Pacific Dr Takeshi Kasai cautioned that the region was at a critical juncture with the virus’ confirmed presence in many parts of the world.
He said while the authorities must continue efforts to contain the spread of the virus, it was also time for all countries, including Malaysia, to prepare for the possibility of wider transmission.
“There are now reports of clusters of cases with no apparent link to China. The latest information suggests that the virus may be more transmissible than early data suggested.
“This does not mean that the virus will start spreading easily within Malaysia or elsewhere tomorrow, or perhaps ever. Of course, we hope that it won’t.
“But while countries are still working hard on containing the virus, we must be ready in case there is wider spread.”
Dr Takeshi said the necessary preparation requires action today, because it would take time, especially to ensure that the response reaches everyone in all parts of the country.
Responding to wider transmission, he said, would require shifting the focus of activities to protect the vulnerable and minimise the health and social impact.
“If we don’t prepare now, we will not be able to activate those plans when they are needed.
“For example, in case of wider community transmission, we will need to ensure health facilities can focus on treating the most vulnerable and severe cases.
“This may mean planning to switch away from medically isolating or quarantining everyone who is infected, to encouraging people with mild illness to stay at home to recover so that health care facilities do not become overwhelmed.
“Steps must also be taken to ensure health facilities do not become places that amplify the virus spread, infecting staff and other patients.”
Dr Takeshi said Malaysia must also be ready to make a switch away from testing all suspected cases and tracing the contacts of every person who has the virus, to applying limited testing capacity to monitor geographical spread and trends, and using this information to inform decisions about the most appropriate public health response.
“In addition, we need to be ready to consider the possibility of closing schools or postponing mass gatherings, if necessary, to reduce opportunities for the virus to spread.
“I understand why people are worried, as this is a new disease and there is much we still don’t know.
“The best thing we can do is to be prepared. In addition to those measures governments can take, we all share a collective responsibility to take simple measures to protect not just ourselves as individuals, but our communities, including the most vulnerable.”
He also advised the public to wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
“If you are coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow.
"Keep your distance – we recommend at least one metre – from people who are unwell.
“If you’re sick, stay home so you don’t risk infecting others, and seek medical care if you have trouble breathing,” he said.
Dr Takeshi also advised people against circulating rumours and misinformation online and to friends and family.
“When people have the wrong information, they can make decisions which actually harm themselves, and others.”
In addition to looking at the virus transmissibility, he said WHO was closely monitoring its severity.
Of all cases reported in China to date, he said, around 2 per cent of people had died, while outside of Hubei province, the death rate among those infected was around 0.4 per cent.
“We must continue to watch the transmissibility and severity of the virus closely and assess the situation as it evolves.
“In the meantime, we urge countries to prepare. Even if in the end there is no need to switch on these measures in response to the Covid 19 outbreak, this is always time and effort well-spent, because it makes us better prepared for the next new disease or outbreak, whenever that may occur.
“WHO will continue to support Malaysia and all countries in their preparedness and response efforts.
“The current outbreak is a test for all of us, but by focusing not only on what confronts us today, but planning ahead for tomorrow, taking steps to ensure preparedness efforts reach every corner of every country. Together we will be able to limit the health, social and economic impacts.”
As of Feb 12, there are 44, 787 reported cases in 25 countries, with 1,112 deaths. Malaysia has reported 18 cases.