KUALA LUMPUR: The number of new daily COVID-19 cases recorded yesterday dropped to 26,250, from 32,800 the previous day (March 11), said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said of the total cases recorded yesterday, 26,073 cases or 99.33 per cent were in category one and two.
A total of 177 cases or 0.67 percent are in category three, four and five, he said in a statement on the development of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
On the country's infectivity rate (Rt), he said, it was 0.99, compared to 1.03 on Friday.
On the use of COVID-19 bed for critical cases or at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Health Ministry's (MOH) hospital, Dr Noor Hisham said, said six states recorded more than 50 per cent usage yesterday.
They are Putrajaya at 167 per cent, Kelantan (69 per cent), Johor (68 per cent), Kuala Lumpur (65 per cent), Selangor (58 per cent) and Perak (53 per cent), he added.
He said the number of COVID-19 patients who required respiratorty assistance had decreased to 211 patient, from 231 patients on March 11, while the percentage of ventilator usage yesterday was 24 per cent compared to 26 per cent on March 11.
On the COVID-19 infection among senior citizens, Dr Noor Hisham said there were 367,522 cases involving the group recorded from March 19, 2020 to March 9, 2022, which is 9.9 per cent of the total 3,711,199 positive cases recorded in the country during the period.
He said between Jan 25, 2020 and March 3 this year, a total of 154 clusters of COVID-19 infection were reported at care centres for senior citizens.
"This cluster (at care centres for senior citizens) is the highest contributor compared to the clusters of other risk groups, such as child care centres and dialysis centers," he added.
Dr Noor Hisham said the death rate due to COVID-19 among the elderly was higher compared with other age groups.
The unvaccinated group of elderly people is the most at risk of being infected with COVID-19 and could result in death, he added.
As such, he advised senior citizens who had yet to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, either the primary dose or the booster dose, to walk-in to the nearest vaccination center (PPV) to get the injection.
"Get the booster dose. The vaccine does not make a person immune to COVID-19 infection, but it can protect against the effects of severe infection that can lead to death," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Mar 13 2022
The number of new daily COVID-19 cases recorded yesterday dropped to 26,250, from 32,800 the previous day, said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. - Astro AWANI
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.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.