THE Covid-19 situation in Malaysia continues to escalate with a record 869 infections reported in the last 24 hours.

Today’s number of cases topped the previous highest tally recorded on October 6 of 691, taking the cumulative total to 19,627.

Director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the majority of cases were from Sabah, with the state recording 451 cases or 51.9% of total cases today, adding no imported cases were reported in the past 24 hours.

He also said that Klang Valley, which is under partial lockdown, contributed 20.3% of today’s cases, with Selangor reporting 159 cases, Kuala Lumpur (15) and Putrajaya (2).

The death toll also rose to 180 with four fatalities reported in the past 24 hours.

With the new fatalities, Malaysia has now recorded Covid-19 deaths for 10 consecutive days.

The four involved three men and one woman, all in Sabah. Three of the deaths involve Malaysians. 

Two victims were above the age of 70 and had a history of chronic illnesses, while the other two had no medical history.

DrNoor Hisham said all of today’s new cases were local transmissions, of which 745 involved Malaysians. 

On recoveries, 302 patients have been discharged, taking the total number of recoveries to 12,561 or 64% of total cases.  

He also said there are 6,886 active cases currently, with 91 in intensive care units, of which 30 require respiratory support. – October 17, 2020.