THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) reminds the public not to be complacent about the current pandemic. Do not be swayed by news that says Malaysia is entering into an endemic phase and let your guard down.
It is already bad enough that our daily numbers of positive COVID-19 cases have started increasing again but to know that the COVID-19 infectivity rate has risen to 1.04 is worrying indeed.
Having the number of new cases surpassing the number of recoveries is also depressing and what more than to hear that intensive care unit (ICU) bed use in Terengganu has reached 84%.
We see many going about their daily work, forgetting about the need to mask up properly and to maintain a social distance.
Fatalities are still seen and despite there those who are fortunate enough to recover, there are still many who need long term medical treatment and rehabilitation after suffering from the damage done by the virus. For some who do recover and is still suffering long-term from COVID-19, depression sets in and takes away the desire to live.
The sufferings by the survivors due to the various organ damages is something sobering that need to be seen by those who believe that COVID-19 is a made-up story.
Vaccines, face masks and social distancing are the three important armaments in this fight to manage COVID-19. Available medical treatments are a boon but prevention is always better than contracting COVID-19 with the belief that there are medical treatments available.
One may not make it to the stage of recovery even if treated with the best available medication. – Nov 13, 2021
Dr Koh Kar Chair is the president of the Malaysian Medical Association.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
