The See Relief Agency (SRA) Old Folks Home Volunteers Organisation today denied that there was an outbreak and believed the source of infection announced on Monday could be traced back to an asymptomatic COVID-19 patient, a resident at the facility.
Its director Sharil Hussein said, that he believed infection occurred when there was a close contact between one of the home residents, aged 51, who recovered from COVID-19 and discharged from Sungai Buloh Hospital on June 3 and another resident who was at the hospital for his hypertension problems.
“The two shared a ride home in an ambulance. So there was close contact,” he said.
On Monday, Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said, that a 69-year old man had tested positive for the virus after being admitted to Tanjung Karang Hospital for breathing problems.
He added the new case was part of a cluster detected at an old folks home, which had seen two cases, a resident and the caregiver who had attended to him, in May.
Dr Noor Hisham said, the source of infection was still under investigation and active case detection as well as sanitisation and disinfection work are being carried out at the home.
This was the third time that the 18 staff and 24 residents at the home have undergo testing.
According to Sharil, the first patient was asymptomatic when he tested positive on May 16 and was subsequently admitted to the Sungai Buloh Hospital for quarantine and treatment.
The patient fully recovered and discharged on June 3 and continued the quarantine at the home while the second patient was placed in the next room for observation and the two were kept away from the other residents, he said.
However, the next day, the first patient started coughing and taken back to Sungai Buloh Hospital.
About a week later, the second patient, who has hypertension and diabetes, developed a fever and breathing problems and taken to Tanjung Karang Hospital and tested positive for COVID-19 on June 15.
Sharil said he was confident there was no outbreak at the home as the management had implemented strict measures to contain COVID-19 after the first two cases were detected in May, including the mandatory two weeks’ quarantine, sanitisation and a second round of testing of staff and residents.
The home also limited the number of visitors and staff were required to wear face masks and gloves when dealing with residents as well as wearing protective equipment.
Sharil said this move has posed another set of complications for the home including shortage of supply (of the equipment).
Since the third case was detected, the home has to obtain more medical equipment, such as blood pressure cuffs and thermometers as well as protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, items that the home could not afford.
“We are a charity home and depend on donations from our Member of Parliament and the public,” he said, adding that they would need about 20 boxes of gloves and 252 personal protective equipment (PPE) gowns soon.
As this is a new virus, questions still abound on its infectivity, effect and duration. There have been reports of some cases where patients showed symptoms outside the two-week quarantine window and a study in Hong Kong has found a third of patients remained positive 20 days after the onset of symptoms.
To date, routine screening has found 30 cases among residents and staff at 421 old folks homes out of an estimated 1,700 in Malaysia. - BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Jun 17 2020
The See Relief Agency Old Folks Home Volunteers Organisation denied that there was an outbreak and believed the source of infection announced on Monday could be traced back to an asymptomatic COVID-19 patient.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.