THE next four weeks are crucial for the nation to contain the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the public healthcare system does not collapse, said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

The director-general of health’s warning comes as the use of beds in intensive care units (ICU) at government and private hospitals reaches maximum.

“If you are infected and come to hospital, and if we do not have ICU beds, we are in trouble. 

“We do not want to end up like countries where we have to choose who lives and who dies,” he said, indirectly referring to the Covid-19 situation in India. 

Nor Hisham said people can play their roles by simply following the standard operating procedures (SOP) put in place by the authorities, which will help break the chain of Covid-19 infection.

“Hopefully, give us two weeks, then that will give us a buffer in terms of preparing and re-organising ourselves and probably bring down the cases so that our hospitals can cater for Covid-19 patients,” he said at a press conference in Putrajaya today.

“This is a very crucial two to four weeks for us to contain the infections. We cannot succeed without the cooperation of the people. 

“So, we have to comply with the SOP. Stay home as much as possible. 

“Public and private hospitals are running out of beds.”

Noor Hisham advised Muslims to celebrate the upcoming Hari Raya among family members rather than inviting guests. 

Comparing the figures, he said the celebration, which was held in a modest manner last year, did not contribute to a surge in cases. 

“Have an in-house Hari Raya, not an open house” he advised. 

“Celebrate among yourselves, just like what we did last year. If we do the same, we can contain the infections.”

Noor Hisham also advised people to avoid large gatherings such as weddings and funerals, which he said could be a potential coronavirus super spreader.

He said Malaysia must learn from India. The subcontinent saw various social gatherings recently, which led to a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases and deaths. – May 8, 2021.