THE Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (AMM) is concerned by the sharp increase in number of Covid-19 cases following the Sabah state elections which took place on Sept 26, 2020, it said in a press statement today.
According to the statement, as of Oct 2, 2020 there were 1,540 active cases, with 22 of those infected in the intensive care unit (ICU) compared to just four cases a week ago.
As it would take time to obtain a vaccine that can eradicate the virus, the academy opined everyone must learn to balance living with the Covid-19 pandemic and other aspects of public life, such as education, economic activities, social and religious practices, as well as 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 spread,” it said
“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 movement control order (MCO) 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.”
In view of this, the educational society for doctors, also reminded every Malaysian and residents of Malaysia to adhere to the guidelines set by the authorities especially while out in public.
“Remember to wear a mask, maintain good hand hygiene and 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,” said the academy.
AMM also stated that it supported the Ministry of Health’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 14-day quarantine,” it remarked, adding that 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 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, such as China and Singapore where compliance rates are high, that home quarantines are not as effective in curbing spread,” it noted.
AAM stressed that everyone who visited a red zone during the election period should undergo 14-day quarantine in a quarantine centre and if home surveillance orders (HSO) were to be followed, there must be equal enforcement and accountability of the persons-under-investigation.
“Malaysians have succeeded at 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.” – Oct 3, 2020
