COVID-19: 12 MOH staff, 3 from private healthcare sector infected - Health D-G

Twelve healthcare workers from the ministry and three from private health sector have been infected by the COVID-19 virus. One is being treated in intensive care unit and is on ventilatory support.

This was confirmed by health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham in a Facebook post on Friday.

"This virus knows no boundaries, regardless of your race, religion or wealth status, even more so if you are a healthcare worker at the frontline of this war," said Noor Hisham.

"Our simple message to the public today: Please help us to help you. Stay at home," he added.

He also urged members of the public and patients tested for COVID-19 to be truthful when providing information on their history and close contacts.

In a separate Facebook posting, Noor Hisham said there had incidences in the past week where patients concealed their contacts and symptoms.

"We had a few incidences this week where patients concealed their contacts and/or symptoms. Travel history and close contact information, for example, those linked to the tabligh congregants' gathering in Seri Petaling Mosque (Kuala Lumpur) were also not being revealed."

"Only after clinical procedures and treatment were completed that such critical information was disclosed. By then, the safety of our healthcare workers and facilities had been jeopardised. It is a crime not to reveal or hide information."

As of noon on Thursday, 110 new COVID-19 cases were recorded, bringing the total of number of positive cases in the country to 900.

With the latest jump, Malaysia now has fourth highest number of COVID-19 cases in Asia, behind China, Iran and South Korea.