COVID-19: MMA lauds Health Ministry for quick response in handling the disease

by Theleaders-Online | February 21, 2020 9:55 am

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has applauded the Health Ministry’s effectiveness in handling COVID-19 in the country.

Its president Dr N Ganabaskaran said the ministry’s quick response in surveillance efforts and infectious disease control, providing reports from time to time on the outbreak in Wuhan, China when the COVID-19 first emerged, had significantly controlled and limited the number of infections in Malaysia to date.

“While the number of infections has been reduced, it is important for Malaysians to continue being mindful of infection and consistently practise good personal and respiratory hygiene.

“This must be observed not just in the country but also while travelling abroad,” he said, at a press conference on awareness of COVID-19, here today.

Former MOH deputy director-general Datuk Dr Christopher Lee and Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president, Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah were also present.

Meanwhile, Lee highlighted that Malaysia needed to be prepared for limited unlinked transmission of COVID-19 as faced by its neighbouring countries.

“Unlike some countries such as Japan and Korea having unlinked transmission cases, all the cases in Malaysia are linked to travellers from outside the country. So, we need to be prepared for such things happening here too,” he said.

Lee added that some specific infection control measures needed to be taken in a clinic setting since the COVID-19 spread by droplets and contact transmission.

“We highly advise and believe that the clinic staff will wipe down with common disinfectants, especially the frequently touched surfaces once the patient leaves.

“This is the best way to protect the doctors and nurses from being infected through such contact as they are the frontliners,” he said.

Bernama

Source URL: https://theleaders-online.com/covid-19-mma-lauds-health-ministry-for-quick-response-in-handling-the-disease/