COVID-19 recoveries outnumbered new cases today by 2,726 to 1,704, said director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. 

The number of recoveries today is the second highest since the onset of the pandemic.

The highest number of recoveries was reported yesterday, with 3,321 patients discharged. 

There were also 11 fatalities reported today – six in Selangor – taking the nation’s toll to 494, six away from the 500 mark. 

The number of deaths today is joint-second highest in the nation, with the highest being 12, reported on November 3.

Nine of the eleven victims today had underlying medical conditions. 

Of the new cases today, Selangor once again reported the highest daily infections by state with 673 or 39.5% of today’s total, followed by Sabah with 316 cases (18.5%) and Johor with 179 (10.5%). 

“Of the total in Selangor, 509 were recorded from clusters and close contact screenings,” said Noor Hisham. 

Meanwhile, the number of active cases in the country now stands at 21,365. 

A total of 124 patients were currently being treated in intensive care, with 51 requiring breathing assistance. – January 3, 2021.