PETALING JAYA – With the number of Covid-19 cases almost doubling in the last week, it may be time for Malaysians to mask up again.

Although it is no longer mandatory, medical experts are calling on people to take the precautionary measures enforced during the height of the pandemic.

Masking up, especially in crowded places, public transportation and unfamiliar areas, is vital to ensure the virus does not affect the elderly, who are the most vulnerable.

The number of Covid-19 cases jumped from 6,796 two weeks ago to 12,757 last week, according to health director-general Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.

There were also 11 deaths between Dec 3 and Dec 9.

Speaking to local media on Dec 14, newly appointed Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad recommended masking up and a Covid-19 booster shot for vulnerable groups, namely senior citizens, and those who have comorbidities such as diabetes and blood pressure issues.

Mr Dzulkefly said the surge in cases is due to a high number of people being mobile during the year-end holiday season.

“We should wear a face mask when in crowded places and if experiencing symptoms. We should keep others as well as ourselves safe,” he said, reminding people to self-quarantine for five days if they test positive.

Dr Muhammad Radzi said that although there has been an increase in new cases, the overall situation is still under control and not a burden on existing healthcare facilities.

Most Covid-19 cases involve mild symptoms and do not require hospitalisation.

However, the surge in cases has caused concern, with the elderly and those with hypertension, asthma and cancer particularly vulnerable.

Former deputy education minister Mah Hang Soon said the Health Ministry should issue the latest pandemic preventive guidelines for business operators, especially those in the retail and catering industries where large crowds converge for extended hours.

“Additionally, business operators should be encouraged to provide online shopping and take-out services.”

Dr Mah also suggested re-implementing several stringent pandemic-era rules for public transport users.

He said the ministry must provide the latest guidelines and recommendations to the public as to whether people should go for further booster shots against Covid-19.

Professor Moy Foong Ming of Universiti Malaya’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine pointed out that wearing masks was still a good public health measure.

“For those with flu-like symptoms, wearing a mask will prevent them from infecting others. The elderly and those with low immunity are strongly encouraged to wear masks in closed environments or poorly ventilated places,” he said.

The Health’s Ministry’s KKMNow website showed that as at Dec 11, there were 20,017 active cases with 446 hospitalised cases.

Currently, there are eight cases that are unventilated and 13 ventilated cases in the intensive care unit. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK