KUALA LUMPUR: The current Covid-19 wave is not putting a substantial strain on healthcare facilities around the country, says Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
She said that while the number of cases could rise further during the forthcoming Christmas season due to increased visitor traffic, those who tested positive for the virus were only experiencing minimal symptoms.
"The symptoms are mild and it does not burden the health facilities so far.
"We encourage those with symptoms to see a doctor for further screening and if found positive, they may observe a five-day quarantine.
"We also encourage observing other SOPs (standard operating procedures) such as avoiding crowded spaces, wearing face masks and practising good hygiene.
"We closely monitor the cases via the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC)," she said when met on the final day of the Madani government's One-Year Anniversary Programme in Bukit Jalil National Stadium today.
As of Dec 2, there were 15,327 active Covid-19 cases in the United States, with 15,001 observing home quarantine and 318 hospitalised.
Earlier, Dr Zaliha flagged off the Madani Afiat and Health Screening team to carry out free house-to-house health checks at Kampung Muhibbah People's Housing Project (PPR) and at Rukun Tetangga Taman Salak Selatan.
Marking its eighth edition, the team has screened households from 1,776 homes throughout the country.
The health screening activities are aimed at detecting and preventing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD).
Through the programme, she said that 771 people were diagnosed with diabetes, 1,041 with hypertension, 417 people at risk of developing diabetes and 695 people at risk of developing hypertension.
