KOTA BARU: Kelantan recorded a sudden increase in Covid-19 cases in the 13th Epidemiological Week of this year (March 26 to April 1), whereby 211 new cases were reported in the state.
State health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said this was an increase of 313 per cent compared with the 51 cases reported in 12th Epidemiological Week.
He said the department believed the increase in Covid-19 cases was contributed by two new clusters reported in the state during the 13th Epidemiological Week.
"The Health Ministry's director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah recently said there was an increase in Covid-19 cases and clusters throughout the country during the 13th Epidemiological Week.
"The same situation also occurred in Kelantan, where there was an increase in cases starting in the 11th Epidemiological Week.
"The increase in cases and clusters of Covid-19 occurred following the re-opening of school sessions in mid-March, large community movements during the last school holiday season and group activities taking place in Ramadan," he said in a statement today.
However, Dr Zaini said the situation was under control.
"Despite the situation not being alarming, we must be prepared to face the possibility of an increase in cases ahead of the coming festival, when there will be an influx of outsiders returning to the state for Hari Raya Aidilfitri," he added.
Therefore, he urged the public to assist the department in its efforts in curbing the rise of Covid-19 cases.
"If possible, locals are encouraged to wear face masks when they have symptoms, especially when they are in crowded places.
"Continue to practise physical distancing, frequently wash your hands and practise proper coughing and sneezing etiquette. This can help prevent them from being infected," he added.
He also advised the public to do a self-test for Covid-19 immediately if they have any symptoms and immediately seek treatment at a health facility if their symptoms continued to worsen.