Covid-19 casualties climb to 34
By Nazmi Suhaimi & Daryll Law
KUCHING: Malaysia’s death toll from Covid-19 rises to 34 in the biggest increase of fatality recorded in a single day as of yesterday.
The latest casualties involve five men and two women, aged between 27 and 91, with six of them having a history of chronic diseases.
Prior to the announcement by Health Director-General Datuk Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah yesterday, the nation recorded 27 deaths due to the virus.
“Of the 34 casualties recorded to-date, some 55.6 percent involved those aged 60 and above. About 67.6 percent have chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, kidney and heart disease,” he said in a press conference yesterday.
On top of the rising death toll, Noor Hisham said a total of 150 new cases was also reported, with the total number of Covid-19 positive patients climbing to 2,470.
He added, 73 patients are currently being treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), with 52 cases needing respiratory assistance.
On the positive side, 68 patients have recovered, bringing the total number discharged so far to 388, he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee yesterday unveiled the Covid-19 hotspots in the state, with detailed data of where the virus has spread.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the committee has identified seven Red Zone districts (hotspot) in Sarawak as follows: Kuching (69), Samarahan (16), Betong (8), Sarikei (6), Bintulu (5), Miri (9) and Limbang (6).
“While, six Yellow Zone districts were identified as Serian (3), Sibu (3), Mukah (1), Matu (1), Lawas (1) and Simunjan (1),” said Uggah in a press conference held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.
Meanwhile, the committee has enhanced its restriction during the movement control order (MCO) with its new directive that no inter-district travel will be allowed from now.
Uggah said the restrictions however would only allow those with valid reasons and permits from the respective District Offices.
