THE threshold indicator for new Covid-19 cases set under the national recovery plan may be changed to a more appropriate value based on current developments and the situation in the country.

Coordinating Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said a proposal had been raised to the National Security Council to change the threshold value of new cases to the severity of the cases by category, or death rate.

“The plan is dynamic. If cases have decreased and they are only mild symptomatic ones, the number of new cases is no longer an appropriate threshold value. We will then look at the case capacity in the intensive care unit and the mortality rate.

“This matter is being discussed with the Health Ministry to change it to a more appropriate threshold value, especially in the third phase, when we have managed to vaccinate 40% of the country’s adult population,” he said while appearing on the Agenda Awani programme last night.

Tengku Zafrul, who is also finance minister, said the proposed changes were based on experiences in other countries such as the United Kingdom, which recorded a sharp drop in Covid-19 cases and hospital admissions after more than 40% of the population had been vaccinated.

“Therefore, when 40% of our people are fully vaccinated, we will ask the National Recovery Council to consider this matter.

“However, the consideration is subject to the views of the relevant experts,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul in a statement earlier today said the council had agreed to invite members from opposition parties such as Pakatan Harapan, Warisan Sabah and Pejuang, as well as representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak governments to join the council.

He said the council also invited experts from various backgrounds including businessman Tony Fernandes, Star Media Group adviser Wong Chun Wai and infectious disease expert Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman.

Tengku Zafrul said the participation of members from various backgrounds would help the council make the most accurate decisions, and have a positive impact in terms of the discussions and ideas produced.

He said it would also be to ensure transparency and that checks and balances were maintained at all times. – Bernama, July 24, 2021.