THE Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM) is concerned by the sharp increase in the number of Covid-19 cases following the Sept 26 Sabah state election. As at Oct 4, there were 1,961 active cases, with 28 of those infected currently in the intensive care unit compared with just six cases one week prior.
As it will take time to obtain a vaccine that can eradicate the virus, everyone must learn to balance living with Covid-19 with other aspects of public life, such as education, economic activities, social and religious practices, and democratic rights.
A strong economy and maintaining a healthy society during the pandemic are not mutually exclusive, but all Malaysians and residents of Malaysia must do their part to prevent the spread of the virus.
The economy will not recover if our infection rates continue to grow; conversely, health outcomes will also be affected if our economy is not doing well.
We recognise that another enhanced movement control order may have serious consequences for the national economy, impacting low-income households and small businesses the most. Therefore, we must not let our guard down. Every Malaysian and resident of Malaysia must follow the guidelines set by the authorities especially while out in public. Remember to wear a mask, maintain good hand hygiene, and keep a physical distance from others at all times. Hold off on any public gatherings, be it political or otherwise, and avoid crowded and confined spaces as these are high-risk areas for infection.
We support the Health Ministry’s decision to enforce mandatory testing for returnees from Sabah. We urge returnees to not rely on a single test, especially if it is an antigen rapid test kit (RTK), and undergo a 14-day quarantine. RTK tests have 85% test sensitivity and may produce a false negative result.
Those who were in red zones during the election should obtain an RT-PCR (reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction) swab test and undergo testing on the 13th day of quarantine, as is mandated for overseas returnees.
Besides that, we urge the government to enforce mandatory quarantine in designated quarantine centres for Sabah returnees. It has been proven in other countries, even in China and Singapore where compliance rates are high, that home quarantines are not as effective in curbing spread of the virus.
Everyone who visited a red zone during the election period should undergo a 14-day quarantine in a quarantine centre. If home surveillance orders are to be followed, there must be equal enforcement and accountability of the persons- under-investigation.
Malaysians succeeded in flattening the curve once before, we must do it again. Now there is better understanding of the virus and the precautions required, we must act quickly and decisively to curb its spread. Everyone must play their part because a pandemic anywhere is a pandemic everywhere.
Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (PROF DR ROSMAWATI MOHAMED, Master);
College of Anaesthesiologists (DATUK DR JAHIZAH HASSAN, President);
College of Dental Specialists (PROF DATUK DR LIAN CHIN BOON, President);
College of Emergency Physicians (DR RIDZUAN MOHD ISA, President);
College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (PROF DATUK DR SITI ZAWIAH OMAR, President);
College of Ophthalmologists (DR NUR FARIZA NGAH, President);
College of Paediatrics (PROF DR THONG MEOW KEONG, President) College of Pathologists (PROF DR CHEONG SOON KENG, President);
College of Physicians (DR LETCHUMAN RAMANATHAN, President);
College of Public Health Medicine (DATUK DR SHA’ARI NGADIMAN, President); College of Radiology (PROF DR NORLISAH RAMLI, President);
College of Surgeons (PROF DR APRIL CAMILLA ROSLANI, President)
Note: The Academy of Medicine Malaysia, embracing 11 colleges and 15 chapters, is a registered body representing medical specialists in Malaysia.