A NEW coronavirus cluster of 14 infections has been detected at an old folks’ home in Kluang, following the death of a resident recently.

Director-General of Health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, in a statement, said 39 people were screened up to noon today, with 14 testing positive and 18, negative.

The other seven are awaiting their results.

Dr Noor Hisham said testing was conducted after the cluster’s index case, identified as patient No. 8,770, succumbed to Covid-19 on Friday.

The 72-year-old Malaysian man, who had high blood pressure and a history of stroke, died at Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital.

All cases in the cluster are Malaysians, with one Indonesian.

Eleven of the patients are residents of the Johor facility. One family member and a staffer are also infected.

“Preventive and disease control measures, such as disinfection and sanitation, have been carried out at the old folks’ home,” said Dr Noor Hisham.

The source of infection is under investigation.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin earlier said 13 virus clusters have been detected in the recovery movement-control order period.

He warned that if Malaysians do not observe social distancing and other health standard operating procedures, there is a risk of a spike in infections, which could see strict movement curbs imposed once again.

“Even though the number of Covid-19 cases is now low, I am worried about the 13 new clusters,” he said, adding that the four clusters originating from Malaysians returning from overseas are of particular concern. – July 20, 2020.