COVID-19: New cases jump to 52 today, new Ara cluster identified in Penang

Malaysia records 52 new COVID-19 cases today, which brings the total number of infections to 10,219. Fortunately, there are no new deaths reported and the death toll remains at 130.

The Ministry of Health has reported 40 new recoveries today and a total of 9,355 patients have recovered and discharged so far. The recovery rate is now 91.55% while the mortality rate is 1.27%.

There are currently 734 active COVID-19 cases remaining which are currently isolated and receiving treatment. 10 patients are in ICU with 2 requiring respiratory support.

Out of the 52 COVID-19 cases reported today, 12 are imported while 40 are transmitted locally. The imported cases consist of 3 Malaysians returning from India and a total of 9 foreigners arriving from Bangladesh (1), Yemen (1), Russia (1), India (5) and Indonesia (1).

In terms of local cases, there are 36 new cases reported in Sabah, 3 in Kedah and 1 in Penang. The Benteng cluster has recorded 27 new cases, followed by 2 new cases in the Selamat cluster and 1 new case each at the Pulau and Bakau clusters.

The Ministry of Health has identified a new Ara cluster in Penang. The index patient is case 10,024 that was detected during border screening at Sandakan on the 15th September 2020. The new case that was reported today is a close contact of the index patient. A total of 16 people have been screened from this cluster and the remaining 14 have tested negative.

The Benteng cluster now has a total of 578 positive cases and a total of 8,627 individuals have been screened so far. 2,623 individuals from the cluster are still waiting for their results.

Meanwhile, Selamat cluster now has a total of 7 positive cases and 206 individuals are still awaiting results. The Bakau cluster currently has 4 cases and 158 individuals have yet to receive their results. Lastly, the Pulau cluster has clocked 15 positive cases and 254 individuals are awaiting results.

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