AT the current trajectory of Covid-19 infections, Malaysia could record 3,000 cases a day by mid-January, said former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.

As such, more manpower should be mobilised for contact tracing, the PKR lawmaker said.

The public healthcare system is already at a critical stage with hospitals unable to accommodate the growing number of patients.

“They are facing challenges as they are no longer able to detect, test and isolate the number of close contacts.

“With the situation worsening over time, cases might reach 3,000 a day by mid-January,” he said in a statement, proposing three steps to control the situation. 

The first is to set a target to detect, test and isolate within 48 hours, which would prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the number of daily infections and the R-naught (R0) rate. 

“This can be done through by with an additional 10,000 members (consisting of young people) in public health.

“A contact-tracing network can be set up in collaboration with community leaders, such as village heads and local council members,” he said, adding that he had made such a proposal last April. 

The second step would be to implement the enhanced movement-control order (EMCO) as a circuit-breaker in certain areas where the community infection is uncontrollable. 

The third step is to give free vaccination and voluntarily to target groups only. 

“The target group should consist of those at high risk of becoming infected with Covid-19 and those at risk of complications when infected. 

“This includes those in the Ministry of Health, enforcement (police and military), fire and rescue personnel, officers in prison and detention centres as well as care centres; teachers, senior citizens and those with chronic diseases.” 

The Gopeng MP also asked that private doctors be allowed to give vaccinations on request. 

Malaysia yesterday reported a record 2,593 cases, taking the active cases to 24,347. – January 7, 2021.