PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba today revealed some good news when he announced that despite the 120 new cases of Covid-19 recorded today, seven patients had recovered and discharged from hospital.
"With seven patients making a full recovery, this brings the tally of cumulative cases that have fully recovered from Covid-19 to 49.
"But there are still 12 patients who are being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and need assistance to breathe via ventilators," said Dr Adham.
As of noon today, he said there were 120 new cases of Covid-19 reported in the country, which bring the overall number of cases to 673.
Based on preliminary reports, he pointed out that 95 of the cases recorded today are related to the 'tabligh' gathering that was held at the Masjid Jamek in Sri Petaling.
Dr Adham also shared some sad news when he announced that there were two Covid-19 related deaths earlier today which were reported to the Health Ministry's National Crisis Preparedness and Response Center (CPRC).
"The first death is a 60-year-old Malaysian male, case 358, who had a history of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. He received treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital on March 14 after testing positive for Covid-19, and his condition deteriorated resulting in him being admitted into the Intensive Care Unit, and he passed away earlier today (Tuesday).
"The second death, patient 178, is a 34-year-old Malaysian male who attended the religious 'tabligh' gathering in Sri Petaling. He received initial medical treatment at Permai Hospital in Johor Bahru on March 12 after testing positive for Covid-19, and he too succumbed to the virus earlier today.”
Dr Adham reminded everyone that the reason the government has implemented the restricted movement order is to curb and stop the virus from spreading further and infecting even more members of the Malaysian public, as it has now entered the second wave.
He also took the opportunity to assure everyone that despite the restricted movement order, it will not disrupt the ministry's health services and related operations.
"All of the health ministry's facilities will continue to serve the people and dispense medical treatment as usual. There will be no disruptions I can assure all of you, and it's the same for private hospitals and health clinics.
"I would also like to remind the public to please adhere to and follow all the instructions with regards to the restricted movement order, which takes effect from midnight tonight till March 31, as failure to do so could result in severe punishment in the form of imprisonment and fines or both, depending on the severity of the offense committed," said Dr Adham.
Asked if he will continue to hold press conferences in light of the restricted movement order, Dr Adham was adamant that the public must be kept informed on the latest developments regarding the virus.
"We have taken all the necessary precautions and implemented safety measures, but depending on the situation, we could also use other means of disseminating information such as via our social media channels if need be," he added.