WHO rep praises Malaysia's handling of coronavirus outbreak

CORONAVIRUS | An official from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended the Malaysian authorities for their actions in managing and containing the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, Dr Lo Ying-Ru (above) said the Malaysian government had been excellent in its case investigation and was also transparent in sharing the latest developments not only with WHO but also with the public.

“We (WHO and the public) can see all the information, and the information is immediately out on social media and the Health Ministry website, so I think they are doing very well.

“WHO is also constantly in touch, sharing information (with the Malaysian authorities) like the latest guidelines... and they have applied these (guidelines). They are well prepared, courageous and hardworking,” she told Bernama after appearing on a Bernama TV programme, here, today.

Today, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed two new cases of coronavirus involving Malaysians airlifted out of coronavirus-hit Wuhan in China yesterday.

The latest announcement brings the cumulative cases of coronavirus in Malaysia to 12.

Meanwhile, Dr Lo said Malaysians experiencing respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing or shortness of breath to quickly seek medical advice.

“(Those with the symptoms) must also reveal their travel history so that the medical authorities can determine whether they are at risk through a diagnostic test.

“But I think what is more important is to remind everyone that they can do something to prevent transmission like just by washing their hands and wearing a face mask,” she added.

- Bernama