COVID-19: New cases back down to two figures, 80 per cent recovered - Dr Noor Hisham

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said after 13 consecutive days of no COVID-19 related deaths, there was one reported today, with the cumulative number being 116, or 1.4 per cent of the total number of cases.

He said seven out of the 19 cases today were imported.

"Of the 12 locally transmitted cases, three are non-citizens and nine are Malaysians.

"This brings the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Malaysia to 8,266 cases. Therefore, the number of active COVID-19 cases with infectivity is 1,540. They have been isolated and are receiving treatment," he said during a COVID-19 press conference here today.

Meanwhile, 51 cases have recovered and allowed to be discharged, he said, adding that this took the cumulative number of those recovered to 6,610, which is 80 per cent of the total number of cases.

The death today involved a 61-year-old Malaysian with a history of diabetes, hypertension and kidney cancer.

There were six positive cases still being treated in the Intensive Care Unit said Dr Noor Hisham, adding that one of them required breathing assistance.

Meanwhile, he said after almost three months of having enforced the Movement Control Order (MCO) and Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), some other contagious diseases have also seen a significant decline when compared to figures from last year.

Among them are the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) with a 44.6 per cent decline in the number of cases; measles (58.3 per cent decline); and chickenpox (44.4 per cent).

"During this period (the MCO and CMCO), the government has emphasised various prevention measures such as the practice of social distancing and avoiding enclosed and crowded spaces,” he said, adding that the effectiveness of the measures was now becoming evident.

On the other hand, Dr Noor Hisham expressed concern over the decline in the rate of immunisation for infants and toddlers, which has, in part been due to parents worried about taking their children to the clinic due to the COVID-19 situation.

He stressed that immunization services for infants and children were still being conducted as usual at Health Clinics, and reminded the public on the importance to avoid vaccine preventable diseases.

"Therefore, parents or guardians are advised to adhere to the immunization schedule and appointment date. If you have any questions, please contact the nearest Health Clinic," he added.