New Covid-19 infection wave may emerge sooner than forecast
Senior citizens and individuals with chronic illnesses have been reminded to take their second Covid-19 booster shots as a potential new Covid-19 infection wave may emerge sooner than forecast, says the Health Minister.
Khairy Jamaluddin said this was based on the number of cases reported in recent days both here and across the Causeway.
“Over the past two to three days we have been reporting more than 2,000 cases a day against 1,000 and 2,000 previously.
“Today (Thursday), we have 2,796 cases with two new clusters reported at institutions of higher learning.
“So if we are not cautious, the cases will keep on increasing in the coming weeks,” he told reporters after officially opening the otorhinolaryngology centre and sleep lab at Hospital Rembau.
On Tuesday, Khairy said Covid-19 cases would fluctuate and a potential new infection wave might emerge in the next few months, despite the current situation being under control.
He said Malaysians ought to know the latest developments so that they can take preventive measures against contracting the virus.
Young
patients: Khairy visiting a ward for children with hearing problems
after officially opening the otorhinolaryngology centre and sleep lab at
Hospital Rembau. — Bernama
“This is more of a preventive measure so that we are ready and not to scare anyone. In fact, other nations have faced a similar situation,” he said.
Khairy said what was important was that the new wave was not as contagious and that the number of deaths and admissions into intensive care units remained low.
He said all states except Selangor, Johor, Kedah and Terengganu have reported an increase in the number of cases compared with the previous day while two new higher education clusters have also been reported.
“It is also my hope that those above 60 and those with chronic illnesses will take the second booster shot as this is the best way to keep them safe,” he said.
As of June 20, almost 108,000 individuals aged 12 years and above have received their second Covid-19 booster jabs. About 58,000 were aged above 60.
Khairy said he was also closely following the Covid-19 situation in Singapore.
“I have to do so because Malaysia and Singapore are in the same epidemiological area with no travel restrictions and hundreds of thousands crossing the Causeway daily.
“My Singapore counterpart has also told me that the republic has been seeing more BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants which were more transmissible than earlier variants,” he said, adding that these variants, however, had the same effect as other Omicron variants.
The CDC has approved a second COVID-19 booster for people age 50 and older that can be given 4 months after a first booster. People with moderate to severe ..
Human's gut virus composition is as unique as a fingerprint: Study
What is the gut microbiome?
How the food you eat affects your gut - Shilpa Ravella
How the food you eat affects your brain - Mia Nacamulli
Lee’s work titled “The gut virome in two indigenous populations from Malaysia” has been published in the prestigious Nature publication, Scientific Reports.
“The sole purpose of a virus’s life is to multiply, but the irony is that it cannot multiply on its own.”
VIRUSES have been in our lives and newsfeeds almost incessantly in the last two years. We have been double-jabbed and masked for much of this time in an effort to avoid the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As we have learnt, these steps can help limit the spread of Covid-19 and help us avoid infection.
But can we avoid viruses entirely? The simple answer is no.
The sole purpose of a virus’s life is to multiply, but the irony is that it cannot multiply on its own.
Instead, viruses must rely on the cellular machinery from more advanced forms of life – bacteria, plants or animals.
How many viruses in total are there in the world at any time? An estimated ten nonillion (1031) is the figure that has been bandied about – a number so enormous that we cannot truly appreciate what it means.
There are so many types of viruses occupying so many different hosts and ecosystems that we have no idea of how many categories of viruses there are.
Humans carry an astronomical number of viruses all the time. These viruses do not kill us because their targets are the billions of bacteria that reside in our bodies, principally in the gut.
A recent paper from Chuen Zhang Lee, an Honours student at Monash University Malaysia, reports progress in identifying bacterial viruses in our guts by using human faeces as the starting material. Lee used faecal matter from two Malaysian Orang Asli groups, the Jehai and the Jakun, to show that the viruses they contain are different from viruses in more frequently studied groups, such as Europeans or Chinese.
Lee enriched the viruses in the faeces (as an indicator, of what is actually in the gut) away from all the yucky material, bacterial cells and human cells and extracted the genetic material from this virus enriched material.
The viral DNA was then sequenced at the Monash University Malaysia Genomics Facility using a technique that allows one to read long stretches of DNA.
Muhammad Zarul Hanifah, who works at the Genomics Facility, assisted Lee in analysing his data.
Using this method, Lee recognised approximately half the DNA as coming from known viruses. Based on the viruses he found, he could identify what some of the sample-givers had consumed and their lifestyle and environment.He also identified some of the bacteria in our guts these viruses could attack and therefore, get a partial picture of what types of bacteria could be in our guts.
These results start to build up a picture of how our gut health is determined, which can significantly determine our overall health. It is clear that viruses may also have a role in determining gut health – a complex topic.
Lee was supervised by a group of researchers including Prof Maude Phipps from the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Jeremy Barr from Monash University School of Biological Sciences and Prof Qasim Ayub, Prof Sunil Lal and Prof Sadequr Rahman from the School of Science.
Lee’s work titled “The gut virome in two indigenous populations from Malaysia” has been published in the prestigious Nature publication, Scientific Reports.
Viruses are clearly ‘cool’ and ‘hot’ right now, and are likely to remain that way for a long time. We look forward to furthering discoveries on viruses and insights into how they can be used to our benefit.
To know more about the programmes offered by the School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, visit www.monash.edu. my/science. Alternatively, visit www.monash.edu.my for more information.
Native Americans, refugees from US-initiated wars, Floyds and children separated from their parents at the border will remember
the US as the greatest “human ...
The masks covering the true face of the US were taken off one after another through the seven stories the Global Times had
published over the course of the past few weeks. These masks are engraved with words such as peace, liberty, security, unity, science, humanity, and global order, hiding the country's true visage that has been distorted with lust, greed, and subjugation.
The masks covering the true face of the US have been removed one after another through the seven investigative stories the
Global Times published over the course of the past few weeks. These masks are engraved with beautiful words such as peace, liberty,
security, unity, science, humanity, and global order, hiding the country's true visage distorted with lust, greed, and subjugation.
Fanning the flames to create turmoil, using economic and financial hegemony to sanction opponents, and forming cliques to create
political isolation - the US is using its hegemony to undermine the international order.
In fact, the US government's approach is quite similar to Voldemort's -
they both believe in power, recruit followers, use violence, and repeatedly want to kill competitors in order to maintain supremacy.
Khairy: Currently, the Comirnaty mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) is the recommended vaccine for a second booster dose based on available scientific data. (Photo by Zahid Izzani Mohd Said/The Edge)
KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): Senior citizens with high-risk comorbidities are eligible to receive a second Covid-19 booster shot four to six months after their first booster dose, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said on Thursday.
Khairy also said that severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and above may receive their first booster jab within 28 days of receiving the second Covid-19 vaccine.
"It is not mandatory but optional, and it will be made through appointments," he told a press conference.
Khairy said those aged 60 and above who are healthy and not at risk for comorbidities should discuss with their doctor whether a second booster vaccination would be recommended for them.
Meanwhile, senior citizens who have received a booster vaccination and have tested positive for Covid-19 can receive a second booster vaccination three months after their full recovery, he said.
The minister said Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty's vaccine is the recommended vaccine for a second booster dose based on scientific data available.
On the booster shot for teenagers, Khairy said: "We leave it to the parents to talk to medical practitioners to make a decision. There is no coercion."
The minister said the implementation of this latest recommendation will not affect the full vaccination status of high-risk individuals who do not receive a second booster dose. The Health Ministry is currently updating clinical guidelines detailing implementation, he said.
Khairy said the ministry has also received requests from individuals who want to travel abroad to receive a second booster dose to meet the travel requirements.
"For example, there are some countries in continental Europe that do not recognise Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines as first and booster doses," he said.
"Therefore, people who want to go abroad can receive a second booster dose at least one month apart after the first booster dose to meet the requirements of going abroad," he said.
As of March 31, a total of 701 individuals had received digital certificates of exemption from vaccination for medical reasons.
These individuals will also automatically receive a booster vaccination exemption.
"Individuals who are not eligible for a booster vaccination for medical reasons, especially the primary Sinovac or Sinopharm recipients or senior citizens who have not yet received a digital vaccination exemption certificate will need to submit a new application.
"They must obtain confirmation from a medical practitioner and then submit an application to the nearest district health department," said Khairy.
PETALING JAYA: Feeling boosted by the protection offered by the vaccine, many Covid-19-conscious senior citizens say they are receptive to taking a fourth dose.
Leong King Soon, 62, and his wife Barbara Teoh, 60, have hypertension and diabetes respectively and with their comorbidities, they are among the senior citizens now eligible to get a fourth shot of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Leong, who took his first booster in December, said he and his wife have so far not contracted Covid-19.
“I have been in close contact with Covid-19 individuals many times as I work as an industrial machine repairman and go to many factories for my job but so far so good.
“Besides taking the standard operating procedure seriously such as wearing a face mask and frequently washing hands, I really think that the three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine I took have kept me protected until now.
“So when the time comes for the fourth dose, I will definitely go get it with my wife,” said Leong.
He added that Teoh, too, had been in close contact unwittingly with Covid-19-positive friends and relatives but she has also been safe so far.
“She only took her first booster last month as she was ill over the past few months and needed her doctor’s clearance,” added Leong.
On Thursday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said senior citizens with comorbidities can get the fourth shot between four and six months after their first booster, while seniors without comorbidities can get a second booster provided they get approval from their doctor.
Seniors who have received their booster dose but have been infected with Covid-19 will be eligible for a fourth shot three months after they recover.
Leong had this to say: “Get the booster for your own protection and ignore all the negative stories that you hear. People don’t remember the positive stories but like to hang on to the negative ones.”
Trader Saifuddin Omar, 67, who has diabetes and hypertension, also believes that the Covid-19 vaccine he took has protected him from the virus.
“Recently, my daughter and her son, who live with me, got infected but they didn’t know until five days later. We all share the same bathroom and eat at the same table but my wife and I didn’t get infected.
“My daughter and grandson (aged eight) are fully vaccinated and only suffered mild symptoms,” he said.
Saifuddin recalled initially feeling scared last year about taking the vaccine after hearing stories about the side effects.
“But now I see that it does help, I feel encouraged to take the fourth dose of the vaccine and will do so soon,” said Saifuddin, adding that he and his wife had their first booster in January.
Retired teacher B. Parimala, 63, does not have any comorbidities and took her first booster last year.
While seniors without comorbidities can get a second booster with their doctor’s approval, Parimala said she would rather wait.
“I was a science teacher so I keep up to date with the latest news about the vaccine.
“I recently read that boosting too often and with the same type of vaccine could reduce one’s immunity, especially against new variants.
“So I’d rather wait than go for the second booster now,” she said.
Parimala, too, warned against adopting a lackadaisical attitude towards Covid-19.
“Long Covid is no joke. My former colleague has such bad scarring on her lungs that she gets winded just walking a short distance. We should all continue to keep ourselves protected,” she said.
`
As Malaysia transitions into the endemic phase, the government will cut down the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) from the existing 181 to just one. `
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who heads the Ministerial Quartet, said the one SOP contains 10 requirements that will continue to be enforced under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
`
` The 10 requirements under the one SOP are: `
1. Wear a face mask when in public `
2. Operation hours must adhere to the permit or licence `
3. Maintain hand hygiene `
4. Perform Covid-19 tests according to the National Testing Strategy `
5. Manage suspected or confirmed Covid-19 cases according to the Health Ministry’s guidelines `
6. Use MySejahtera and MySJTrace for admission registration `
7. Ensure physical distancing of one metre `
8. Ensure a good ventilation system `
9. Ensure the cleanliness of premises `
10. Comply with the vaccination requirements for various activities `
The 10 requirements include the need to wear face masks and to practise physical distancing. `
“In essence, this one SOP for the ‘Transition to Endemicity’ phase has been simplified from the 181 SOP that was enforced under the National Recovery Plan. `
“This one SOP will be enforced under Act 342 from April 1. `
“All 10 requirements have been practised by the public throughout the pandemic. I believe everyone can adhere to it,” he said yesterday. `
Hishammuddin said besides the one SOP, there would also be nine guidelines for the public to follow. `
These would not be enforced, but the people would be encouraged to adhere to them to lower the risk of infection. `
“Each of the guidelines will explain how to conduct Covid-19 risk assessments and how to practise the SOP properly for the different activities,” he said. `
The guidelines cover activities related to transportation and travel; education and care; retail, food and beverage; closed workspaces; open workspaces; events, ceremonies, entertainment and tourist attractions; hotels and guest accommodations; religious events, weddings and funerals; and sports, recreation and leisure. `
He said the SOP and nine guidelines of the Transition to Endemicity phase would be published on a website that could be accessed two weeks before April 1.
You are rawr-some: A person in a dinosaur costume checking in on children waiting their turn and receiving the Covid-19 vaccine jab at a vaccination centre in Kota Damansara. — AZHAR
MAHFOF/The Star
Health experts are calling on Malaysia to fine-tune its Covid-19 mitigation strategies to cope with the Omicron surge as the nation braces itself for the wave of cases, which is expected to last some weeks. `
This comes as Malaysia recorded over 10,000 cases over the past 24 hours, something which it had not seen since October. `
Epidemiologist Dr Sanjay Rampal warned that the peak of this new wave of Covid-19 cases would be felt in the coming two or three months. `
He explained that the reason for this could be due to the community transmission of the Omicron strain and decreased health seeking behaviour following the floods at the end of last year. `
“If the recent increase is due to the Omicron strain, I believe that could breach the 20,000 daily cases in four weeks,” he said when contacted yesterday. `
The Health Ministry had also predicted that Malaysia’s Covid-19 cases would continue to show an upwards trend in the coming weeks. `
However, following the precedent in other countries like South Africa, Britain and the United States, where the strain had peaked and ebbed, the surge was likely to last weeks and not months. `
For example, according to Our World in Data, the number of new cases recorded in Britain were over 847,371 on Jan 31 but this had fallen drastically to over 60,114 by Feb 5. `
Similarly, new cases in South Africa peaked at 26,389 on Dec 15 but had fallen to 8,078 cases by Jan 4. On Feb 5, there were 6,135 cases. `
Health authorities, said Rampal, could manage the coming Omicron wave by getting ready the country’s public health services, testing facilities, and primary health care facilities to cope with the possible exponential increase in demand for prevention activities. `
“A failure to plan for surge capacity at the district level will lead to our public health services being overwhelmed and higher levels of Covid-19 community transmission. `
“Although the stress to our hospitals will be relatively lower in this new wave, I expect a very much higher demand for primary health care services,” he added. `
Immunologist Datuk Dr Musa Nordin said the Health Minister would need to take a proactive stance and sound the clarion call to counter the onslaught of Omicron by reactivating the Covid-19 National Task Force (NTF). `
Originally known as the Greater Klang Valley Special Covid-19 Task Force (GKVSTF), the NTF is made up of an inclusive, coordinated multi-agency or sectorial team with varying expertise in pandemic management. `
“The GKVSTF had successfully flattened the Delta curve when earlier efforts, including MCOs and Emergency Ordinances (EO), failed, causing critical case numbers to spike in July last year, resulting in a total collapse of health care services, and a catastrophic number of deaths,” said Dr Musa. `
He also noted that the entire workflow involving district hospitals, quarantine centres, government and private hospitals must be comprehensively addressed, with the implementation of an end-to-end automated outbreak management system. `
“Omicron has also taken a toll on health care workers with many falling sick. It is important that our health care workers are all boosted with mRNA vaccines to ensure that we are not short-staffed when Omicron really hits us. `
“There is no need to reinvent the wheel. We have a working model (GKVTF) and modus operandi that successfully dealt with the Delta wave,” he suggested. `
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia health economics, hospital and health management’s Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said if proper mitigation plans were not implemented by the relevant authorities, the numbers would continue to go up in the next few weeks. `
“I would strongly urge the authorities to come up with a proper mitigation plan to address this. `
“I am not saying that they should implement a full movement control order because of its adverse impact including to the economy. But they can implement measures, such as enhanced movement control orders, in certain high risk areas, and re-look at prevention plans to limit movement in public areas like offices and schools,” she said. `
“Those who are able to work from home can continue to do so or perhaps employers can consider implementing a hybrid working arrangement,” she said. `
Although Omicron cases were reportedly less severe, Dr Sharifa Ezat urged everyone not to take the situation for granted due to the rapid transmission. `
“It is true that we should not panic but if we don’t do anything, the situation will worsen as fatalities are still being recorded,” she said. `
On whether the numbers would continue to climb, Universiti Putra Malaysia medical epidemiologist Assoc Prof Dr Malina Osman believes this will largely depend on the public’s commitment to adhere to all the standard operating procedures (SOP). `
“I think the community should play a role as well and help our frontliners from being further overburdened by practising all the SOP,” she said. `
In other countries, including Denmark and Britain, governments have announced plans to lift all their domestic Covid-19 restrictions with Omicron not being categorised “as a severe disease for the vaccinated”. `
However, face coverings are still required in healthcare settings, including hospitals, and on public transport. `
Covid passes are also not required for large events and at public venues, and people are no longer being advised to work from home.
KUALA LUMPUR: If you don't get your Covid-19 booster shot by February next year, your vaccination status may be deemed "incomplete", says Khairy Jamaluddin.
The Health Minister said the groups affected by this are those who received the Sinovac vaccine, as well as anyone who is above 60 years old.
"If these groups of individuals still have not gotten their booster shots after February 2022, their vaccination status will be changed to 'incomplete'," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 16).
He said those whose status has been changed to "incomplete" would not be able to enjoy the benefits of those who have been deemed to have completed their vaccinations.
He said individuals who must get their booster shots before the end of February next year are those who had taken the Sinovac vaccine.
He added that those above 60 years old, who had taken a vaccine irrespective of the type of vaccines, will also be required to take their booster shot.
Khairy said this was in line with a recommendation by the World Health Organisation's Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) advice.
He noted that the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force — Booster (CITF-B) had approved and adopted the recommendation on Dec 8.
At present, Khairy said that Comirnaty by Pfizer-BioNTech, CoronaVac by Sinovac and AstraZeneca have been approved for use for booster shots.
The Working Technical Committee, he added, had recommended that those above 18 should get their booster shots.
Get your booster: Khairy speaking at a press conference in Parliament. With him is Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The vaccination status of those required to get their Covid-19 booster shot will be deemed “incomplete” if they fail to get their shots by February next year, says Khairy Jamaluddin.
“If these group of individuals still have not got their booster shots after February 2022, their vaccination status will be changed to ‘incomplete’,” the Health Minister told a press conference in Parliament yesterday.
He said those whose status has been changed to “incomplete” would not be able to enjoy the benefits of those who are deemed to have completed their vaccination.
Sinovac vaccine recipients are among those who must get booster shots by the February deadline.
Meanwhile, those above 60 years old, irrespective of vaccines type, will also be required to get their booster shot.
Khairy said this was in line with recommendation by the World Health Organisation’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE).
He added that the Covid-19 Immunisation Booster Task Force had approved and adopted the recommendation on Dec 8.
At present, Khairy said that the vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac and AstraZeneca have been approved for use as booster shots.
He added those above 18 should also get their booster shots.
Booster dosing started nationwide on Oct 13 for fully vaccinated individuals to ensure the immunity received after completing their doses can be maintained for an optimal period, especially against the Delta variant.
Last month, Khairy stressed that Malaysia could face a new wave of Covid-19 infections if the administration of booster doses was not accelerated.
In a tweet later yesterday, he said in line with the government’s effort to ramp up the booster shots vaccination drive, mega PPV (vaccination centres) will be reopened starting with the Klang Valley.
“All 60 and above or Sinovac recipients must get a booster latest by February 2022 to keep (their) fully vaccinated status.
“You will get your booster appointment on MySejahtera 180 days after the second dose (Pfizer or AstraZeneca) or 90 days after the second dose (Sinovac).
“You can also contact GPs near you at https://vaksincovid.protecthealth.com.my/find to register on the waiting list,” he said.
Eligible travelers would be subjected to Covid-19 testing and further health requirements determined by respective country. - NSTP file pic
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Singapore will simultaneously launch both its air and land Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between both countries on Nov 29.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced the update today on the heels of the government's preparation to open the VTL between the main airports here and in the republic, and following a dry run held by authorities at the Causeway yesterday.
"Malaysia and Singapore have achieved more than 95 percent rate of vaccinated adult population. This has offered the opportunities for both countries to reopen the land border in a gradual, safe, systematic, and sustainable manner.
"Both Governments are collaborating to launch the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) on Nov 29, 2021. The launch of the VTL-Land will coincide with the VTL-Air that will enhance further bilateral and economic relations between both countries," read the statement from the PMO.
The PMO said apart from workers, the VTL-Land is slated to provide an opportunity for Malaysians and Singaporeans on both sides of the Causeway to be reunited with their loved ones due to lockdown-driven border closures.
It added that the VTL-Land initiative aims to facilitate quarantine-free, seamless cross-border movement while integrating health protocol, security, and immigration clearance.
"Travelers allowed to take part in the VTL-Land are Malaysia and Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents as well as holders of Malaysia and Singapore Long-term Pass.
"These travelers must be fully vaccinated and unvaccinated children below the age of 12 must be accompanied by vaccinated parents or guardians," it said.
Eligible travelers would be subjected to Covid-19 testing and further health requirements determined by respective country.
Currently, the VTL-Land would be limited to only bus transportation as a control mechanism and other modes of transportation will be included in stages.
"The Singapore-bound designated VTL-Land bus services will use Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal (Larkin Sentral) as the boarding and disembarkation point in Malaysia, whereas Queen Street Terminal (QST) as the boarding and disembarkation point in Singapore.
"Both governments have also agreed for a daily quota not exceeding 1,500 travelers at the initial stage, with weekly increments."
On Nov 8, Malaysia and Singapore had announced a VTL between the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Changi Airport starting Nov 29.
Under the VTL, fully-vaccinated will be allowed to travel between both countries, and be subjected to Covid-19 tests in lieu of serving quarantine or the stay-home notice.
However, those living in Johor Baru, who make up the bulk of Malaysians who work in Singapore, said that air travel limited their options because it meant they needed to take two flights to get to and from Singapore due to the transit at KLIA.
It was earlier reported that as of 2019, there were 952,261 Malaysians or Singaporeans of partial or full Malaysian origin residing in Singapore.
In addition to the permanent population in the country, about 350,000 Malaysians were crossing the Johor-Singapore Causeway daily to commute to work or school before the pandemic.
This community often includes white and blue collared workers as well as those students attending schools in the republic.
