Covid-19 admissions up 26%

The number of Covid-19 patient admissions to health ministry hospitals per 100,000 residents increased by 26.2% in the 15th epidemiological week from April 9 to 15 compared to the previous week.

In a statement today, the ministry said that most patients are in high-risk groups, such as the elderly and individuals with comorbidities, and that the increase does not burden health services with hospitals still operating as usual.

"Between Jan 1 and April 15, the case fatality rate (CFR) of Covid-19 was reported to be 0.3%, compared to the Delta wave with a high CFR of 2.1%.

"A total of 80.7% involved patients aged 60 years and above, while 82.6% were among individuals with comorbidities," the statement said.

It said the death rate among patients who had never been vaccinated was six times higher than those who had received a booster dose.

As of April 17, only 50% or 16,327,196 Malaysians had received a first booster jab whereas 2.5% (819,150 individuals) had received a second booster dose.

"The risk of hospitalisation and the severity of symptoms can be reduced by taking a booster dose.

"… the public, especially high-risk individuals, are advised to get a booster dose due to waning immunity within three to six months of the last dose," said the statement.

The ministry reminded Malaysians to take precautionary measures to curb the increase in Covid-19 infection cases during the Aidilfitri celebration.

"Individuals with symptoms are advised to always practice TRIIS (test, report, isolate, inform, seek), and if the tested positive, they must isolate themselves, stay at home and not receive visitors," it said, adding that people are also encouraged to wear face masks in congested, narrow and crowded areas to protect high-risk groups such as the elderly, individuals with comorbidities or low immunity, and children from being infected with the Covid-19 virus.