The COVID-19 outbreak has ravaged the world, causing deaths everywhere we turn.
Each death is as heartbreaking as the other because that individual was someone’s family member, friend or loved one.
Unfortunately, Malaysia’s ninth death was a medical doctor.
9th M’sian Death is a Doctor Though He Got Infected Overseas
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health made an announcement on their Facebook page on 22 March that the 9th patient, Case 890 had passed away earlier that day.
He was a 48-year-old male doctor registered under the Ministry. He was also the first coronavirus related death among the healthcare professionals in Malaysia.
The Ministry also said that the 48-year-old man had a history of travelling to Turkey and was treated at Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Kangar on 17 March after it was observed that he had symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection.
He tested positive for COVID-19 on 18 March and was given respiratory support at the hospital on 19 March after his condition worsened.
Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at 10.33am on 22 March.
We offer our sincere condolences to his family members and loved ones.
The Situation In Malaysia
There are currently a total of 1518 cases and 14 deaths in Malaysia. 159 cases have since made a full recovery.
The number of new cases had increased rapidly following a religious gathering at the Masjid Jamek Sri Petaling tabligh from 28 March to 2 March.
About 16,000 people, including 1,500 foreigners had been present at the event.
Thus far, over 10,500 people from the gathering have been tested for the coronavirus, wherein more than 800 have tested positive to date.
To prepare for the increase in COVID-19 cases, the government has designated as many as 409 institutions nationwide as quarantine facilities.
To stop further spread of the virus, the Malaysian government were forced to take drastic measures and imposed a two week Movement Control Order on relatively short notice that began on 18 March to 31 March.
The Malaysian Prime Minister has also come forward to say that if the virus is not contained, the Movement Control Order may be extended beyond 31 March.
The Situation In Singapore
The situation in Singapore is not looking so good either. Just yesterday, 23 March 2020, Singapore saw its largest number of new cases, 54 cases.
Out of the 54 new cases, 48 of them are imported. 34 of them have been to the UK. The rest have been to mainly the US, Malaysia or Indonesia.
In total, there are 509 confirmed cases in Singapore.
152 have fully recovered and have been discharged, while 15 are in ICU. 2 have unfortunately passed away following complications from the virus.
The conditions of the remaining patients are either stable or improving.
Take Necessary Precautions
The situation is indeed gloomy for not only us but our neighbours as well.
Thankfully, Singapore has not yet resorted to drastic measures such as a lockdown, and schools and businesses are still open as usual.
But in order for things to get better, each of us has a role to play in taking the necessary precautions. Firstly, be sure to practice good personal hygiene and please do not go to work if you are ill.
Do also be sure to avoid crowded places and keep updated regarding the coronavirus situation through Gov.sg’s WhatsApp service here.
