THE Health Ministry is working around the clock to bring down the number of Covid-19 cases, which are expected to surge next month.

Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah cited a JP Morgan report that said there will be a spike in infections in April or May to 6,300 cases.

The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research’s (MIER) prediction is much higher at 8,900, he said.

“If we can bring the number down to below 5,000, then we can achieve our goal. So, the next two weeks is up – not just for the Health Ministry, but also the government and public.

“We are working around the clock to deliver, and to bring down the number of cases. Perhaps, prove that these predictions are not right,” he said in his daily press conference in Putrajaya today.

JP Morgan expects Covid-19 infections in Malaysia to peak at 6,300 in the middle of next month.

At the end of last week, Malaysia’s reported mortality rate was 0.77% versus the global average of 4.4% – lower than the 2% JP Morgan predicted.

According to MIER’s projection, April 12 will see the maximum number of cumulative cases at 8,957.

Dr Noor Hisham said the authorities are closely monitoring coronavirus hotspots nationwide, as well as for an increase in infections in kampung areas.

“It is a collective decision by the relevant agencies. We are observing closely the action plan, and we are mapping all the infected zones.”

He said they are not only focusing on bringing down the number of cases in hotspots, but also looking at virus-free areas.

“If there are no cases, we still need to identify the high-risk groups entering kampung areas. They might be the ones bringing the virus there.”

Implementation of the movement-control order will be enhanced in hotspots, he added. – March 28, 2020.