Malaysia records 21 new COVID-19 cases and all are linked to one person

The Ministry of Health Malaysia has reported a total of 21 new COVID-19 cases in the past two days which brings the total number to 50. On 3rd March, there are 7 new cases related to Case 26 and today, there are an additional 14 new cases related to the same case.

According to the previous update by the Ministry, Case 26 is a 52-year-old Malaysian that had visited Shanghai, China in mid-January 2020. He had experienced symptoms of fever and sore throat on the 27th of February and had sought outpatient treatment at a private hospital. He was later identified as Case 26 on the 1st March after he was tested positive for COVID-19. It was reported that the man is a UDA Holdings Berhad board member and was also in close contact with a former minister and his deputy.

Based on the Ministry’s investigation, they have found 215 close contacts with the case. 16 were found positive, 19 were negative and the remaining 180 are still awaiting results. These individuals were in close contact with Case 26 in multiple meetings and gatherings as illustrated below.

An additional 5 positive cases were reported and they are related to the cases that have made close contact with Case 26. This includes staff, spouse and close friends of those that have attended meetings with Case 26. In total, Case 30 to 50 (21 people) are all linked to Case 26.

The Ministry of Health Malaysia is still conducting further investigation on this cluster and they urge the public to remain calm and to cooperate with authorities by providing accurate information when identified as close contact with a COVID-19 case. They also added that private firms that were detected with positive cases are not required to shut down but they are urged to conduct disinfection at the workplace.

UDA has announced that they are putting more measures to protect its employees and visitors against the COVID-19 outbreak after one of its board members was tested positive. They have conducted temperature checks for all visitors and will also provide face masks and hand sanitisers to both visitors and staff. In addition, they are also allowing staff serving at their headquarters to work from home until further notice.

To prevent the spread of disease, do practise good hygiene by washing your hands with soap frequently and to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. According to the CDC, a facemask is necessary only when you’re showing symptoms of COVID-19 to prevent the spread of disease to others. People who are well are not recommended to wear a facemask.

[ SOURCE 2, IMAGE SOURCE ]