MALAYSIA today reported more new Covid-19 infections than recoveries for the first time in 40 days.

Director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the country logged 5,726 new cases against 5,607 recoveries as of noon today.

The last time Malaysia reported more infections than recoveries was on September 16, when 18,815 cases were reported compared with 16,939 recoveries.

Of the new cases, Noor Hisham said 98.3% or 5,629 cases were in the less serious asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic categories of 1 and 2.

Only 1.7% or 97 cases were in the more serious stages of categories 3, 4 and 5. 

The breakdown of cases by states will be updated by the ministry in its CovidNow website tonight.

Meanwhile, usage of intensive care unit beds saw a drop today to 598 from 607 yesterday.

Of the number, 512 are confirmed Covid-19 cases while the remaining 86 are suspected cases and cases under investigation.

There was a slight increase in patients on ventilator support from 300 yesterday to 308 today. 

Of the number, 219 are Covid-19 cases while the rest are suspected and probable cases.

Noor Hisham said the ministry traced seven new Covid-19 clusters as of noon today  which accounted for 182 positive cases.

Five of the clusters were linked to workplaces (116 cases), one was traced to the community (49) and one was involved the education sector (17).

Of the five workplace clusters, Johor reported two while Kedah, Malacca and Perak had one each.

Sabah reported the sole community cluster while the education cluster was traced to  Negri Sembilan. 

The seven new clusters bring the total number in the county to 5,735. Of that number, 506 are still active while 5,229 have ended. – October 26, 2021.