PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): The recent surge in daily Covid-19 cases in Selangor is due to active detection and screening activities in enhanced movement control order (EMCO) areas, says Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (pic).

The Health Minister said 25, 005 screenings were conducted on July 6 compared to 19, 614 on July 5 and the number of tests were further increased over the following days.

"Yesterday (July 9), Selangor recorded 4, 400 cases and 4, 152 on July 8. From this data, we see more contact tracing activities and screenings in EMCO areas. Public health activities are expected in the EMCO areas, hence the increased screenings."

Dr Adham said this in a special press conference on the Health Ministry preparedness strategies to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic in the Klang Valley here on Saturday (July 10).

He said detection and screening activities must be actively implemented in the EMCO areas to prevent and stop the spread of Covid-19.

Those who tested positive were isolated and given treatment according to the infection category, and patients in categories four and five – namely those with pneumonia and in need of oxygen and respiratory assistance – were sent to hospital for intensive care.

Contact tracing must be carried out to detect asymptomatic individuals so they can be isolated from the community as well as prevent continuous transmission from occurring.

"The virus incubation period is 14 days but with the new variant, it can be up to 21 days. So in the 14 days we will see an increase in activities to detect, trace and screen, " he said.

Dr Adham said as the screenings are also to detect asymptomatic cases, there would be an upward trend before a drop can be seen, as positive cases are being isolated and treated.

He said apart from monitoring daily cases, the vaccination rate is also important as this could reduce hospital admissions and fatalities as well as save more lives.

In addition, Dr Adham said the ministry had also decided to carry out vaccinations in areas nationwide under EMCO, after those tested positive have been isolated.

"The EMCO period is 14 days, so during this time health workers will conduct screenings. Those who test negative will be given their vaccination appointment dates. They must get vaccinated as soon as possible after the EMCO is over, " he said.

On the Ministry's preparedness in managing Covid-19, Dr Adham said outsourcing non-Covid-19 patients or decanting them to private or district hospitals are actively being implemented.

The move is aimed at increasing hospital bed capacity in the Klang Valley for Covid-19 treatment. – Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/07/10/covid-19-surge-in-selangor-cases-due-to-detection-and-screening-activities-says-health-minister