SEVEN out of 10 suspected cases have tested negative for coronavirus, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said today.

He said five cases detected on Sunday and two new cases in the last 24 hours turned out negative for the Wuhan virus.

Five earlier cases were detected in Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur (2) and Bintulu (1).

Dzulkefly said that two Malaysians tested negative in Hospital Kuala Lumpur while the ministry is still awaiting the results of three Chinese nationals. 

Two of the Chinese nationals are being quarantined in Langkawi while the other is in Bintulu.

He said the number of confirmed cases remained at four and all Chinese nationals are being treated at two hospitals. 

As at noon today, 65 people were identified as patient under investigation (PUI) for the coronavirus.

“Thirty-four cases involve Malaysians while 30 are Chinese nationals. The other case is a Jordanian,” said Dzulkefly.

“Only one of the PUI cases tested positive while another 61 were negative. The remaining three are still awaiting lab results.”

He said three close contacts of the positive case from Singapore are still in isolation and reported to be stable.

“All 17 close-contact cases have been confirmed negative and have been released.”

Meanwhile, the ministry has placed 54 thermal scanners at international entry points, said Dzulkefly.

“Those detected with fever will be sent to paramedics for confirmation. Their travel history over the last two weeks will then be checked. 

“Those who fulfil the PUI criteria will be sent to hospitals for further treatment.” 

Those who don’t fall under the PUI criteria will be given a home assessment tool kit and placed under home surveillance for 14 days.

He said face masks will be given to those found coughing but do not have a fever.

“Those who don’t have any symptoms will be given health alert cards to advise them on the importance of seeking treatment if they suffer any fever, cough or have difficulty breathing,” he said. – January 28, 2020.