COVID: Drastic drop in category four, five cases involving elderly

KUALA LUMPUR: Sungai Buloh Hospital's latest data until yesterday indicated a drastic drop in serious infection case admissions (Category Four and Five) among the elderly from the 23rd epidemiological week (EW).

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the downward trend was in line with the second phase of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) starting April and began to show early signs of effectiveness since the 22nd EW.

Based on the graph attached with his media statement, for patients aged 60 to 79, 217 of them in the related categories were admitted in the 21st EW, before dropping to 125 patients in the 23rd EW, while 119 patients for the current 28th EW.

Category Four are patients with pneumonia and require oxygen support, while Category Five are critical patients in need of respiratory support.

Dr Noor Hisham also announced that beginning July 17, senior citizens (individuals aged 60 and above) who have not gotten their vaccination appointment can walk into any vaccination centre in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor to get vaccinated on the same day itself.

"In addition, vaccination centres will continue to operate every weekend, including public holidays. These measures are in line with the Health Ministry's commitment to build herd immunity as soon as possible," he said.

He therefore advised Malaysians to show up for their appointments on the date and location provided and to always comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) throughout the vaccination process.

-- BERNAMA