by S BIRRUNTHA / pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

THE Health Ministry (MoH) would propose for a full implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Selangor, if existing efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the state fail.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba agreed that stricter standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be implemented in Selangor, which is currently recording over 1,000 cases a day.

He said the nationwide MCO has allowed the MoH to carry out more tests and isolation, as well as treating positive cases, in addition to quick contact tracing thanks to the state government’s cooperation in conducting RTK-Antigen (RTK-Ag) testing in hotspot areas.

“It also allows us to implement faster close contact detection and an overall public health prevention and control.

“However, looking at the worrying number of cases in Selangor lately, stricter SOPs are needed and a full and comprehensive MCO should be considered and implemented in the state,” he said at the weekly press conference on the development of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme that was held virtually yesterday.

Dr Adham also expressed his concern over the rising risks of Covid-19 infections following the public’s visits to shopping malls to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their families.

The minister said a number of individuals were seen taking the opportunity to visit shopping malls for Aidilfitri celebration after house-to-house visits were banned under the MCO.

“The MCO was announced (to take place) from May 12 to June 7 to prevent further infections by restricting cross-district and state activities, social activities and dine-ins, as well as encouraging work from home and banning home visits during Aidilfitri.

“However, many took the opportunity to meet at shopping malls that are allowed to operate throughout the MCO,” he noted.

Dr Adham said his ministry is very concerned that there will be an increase in cases and clusters due to the meeting of family members on Aidilfitri between May 13 and May 15 at shopping malls.

On another note, Dr Adham said Covid-19 patients will be constantly informed on their current status whether they will be taken to the hospital, Covid-19 Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC) or self-quarantining at home.

Category 1 and 2 patients are allowed to be treated at home.

However, he said they must not have complications or other diseases. Additionally, the patients must have facilities to isolate themselves, such as having their own room and bathroom.

Dr Adham asked the public who tested positive to go to the Covid-19 Assessment Centre (CAC) in their respective districts to avoid congestion, while waiting for their status update.

“Three days ago, Malawati Stadium’s CAC was congested with 1,700 cases a day. Patients were given a risk assessment to determine whether they could be treated at home, hospital or PKRC.

“We have requested for additional CAC staff at the Malawati Stadium. We also note the possibility of opening another large CAC, but we need to look at all the CACs available in every district in Selangor first,” the minister said.

Dr Adham noted that the increase in cases in Selangor is due to the continous RTK-Ag testing implemented by the state government and the wide screening tests conducted by the MoH.