Govt wants to be ready for the surge of cases that could happen in the coming months

by FAYYADH JAAFAR / pic by TMR FILE

THE Health Ministry (MoH) is reactivating the National Covid-19 Rapid Response Task Force (RRTF) due to an increase in Covid-19 cases.

According to its Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar (picture), this is because the government wants to be ready for the surge of cases that could happen in the coming months.

“The RRTF is a special committee which will implement rapid preliminary action in controlling transmission in a state or area by adding beds and changing the remodelling of non-Covid-19 beds, building field hospitals and outsourcing patients to private hospitals.

“It will be co-chaired by the deputy health DG (Public Health) and the deputy health DG (Medical), who will report directly to me,” he said in a press conference yesterday.

Khairy Jamaluddin assured that the current increase in Covid-19 cases is not affecting the health system, although the country is now facing the threat of the Omicron variant which is more easily spread.

This is largely due to the country’s high rate of complete vaccination. However, Khairy Jamaluddin urged the remaining population, especially the elderly and individuals with comorbidities, to obtain their booster shots.

He denied rumours that the rise in Covid-19 cases is a conspiracy by him to cancel Hari Raya Aidilfitri’s celebration.

“It is not true. It is happening in every country,” he said, adding that the Omicron wave can be contained if everyone follows MoH’s guidelines.

Khairy Jamaluddin also assured that very few Adverse Event Following Immunisation cases have been reported.

“Based on our data, only five people out of one million who received the vaccine have developed serious adverse events.

“Thus, we strongly advise all eligible citizens to get their booster doses against Covid-19 as soon as possible,” he said.

The minister also urged employers to continue the practice of working from home or implement a rotational system at the office to create a safe environment in the workplace.

On another matter, Khairy Jamaluddin said he has given his recommendations for the standard operating procedures against Covid-19 in the upcoming Johor state elections.

“I have discussed with the Elections Commission and the National Security Council regarding the safety measures to be taken during the elections,” he said.