Covid-19: 40 new cases, 95 recoveries and one death

CORONAVIRUS | Malaysia today recorded 40 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 5,820, according to Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He also reported one new death, raising the death toll to 99.

Speaking at the Health Ministry's daily briefing in Putrajaya today, Noor Hisham said the latest death involves Patient 4,087.

"He is a 78-year-old Malaysian man who had a history of diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke."

He added that the man was treated at Enche' Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital on April 7 and passed away on April 27 at 4.31am.

Noor Hisham said another 95 patients have recovered since noon yesterday, placing the number of total recoveries at 3,957 or 67.9 percent.

Of those under treatment, 37 are in intensive care units (ICU), up from 36 yesterday, and 17 require ventilators, up from 15 yesterday.

The data is updated up until noon today.

Noor Hisham also noted that varsity students, who have been stranded in dormitories for more than a month, will be allowed to return home in phases beginning today and assured that there would be a proper standard operating procedure (SOP).

"As a result of the cooperation and discussions between the Higher Education Ministry and Health Ministry, a guideline was created to cover the health aspect for students who want to return to their hometowns.

"The universities' health centres will screen their respective students (temperature, cough, running nose, sore throat, difficulty breathing) before being allowed to travel," he said.

The director-general also advised students who do return home to observe social distancing and good hygiene.

Noor Hisham also encouraged them to wear a face mask during the travel.

Likewise, he urged the general public to abide by the movement control order (MCO) and take precautions if they have to leave their house to purchase groceries.

Those showing symptoms should no leave out and those who must leave home should do so alone, Noor Hisham said.

He advised them to avoid crowded places, confined spaces and close conversations.

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