NINE out of 10 Covid-19 dead-on-arrival (DOA) cases occurred before the victims could receive treatment at health facilities, said Khairy Jamaluddin.

The health minister said based on his ministry’s analysis, 91% of the 113 DOA cases reported between February 5 and 21 involved patients who did not know that they had contracted the virus.

“Of the 113 DOA cases analysed from February 5-21, we found that 91% did not know that they were infected with Covid-19,” he told a press conference at Serdang Hospital today.

“The victims were tested and found positive when post-mortem was performed, and their cause of death was due to Covid-19. This is worrying.”

He advised people to not take any symptom lightly.

He also urged anyone, especially the elderly, who exhibit symptoms like high fever and persistent cough to immediately seek medical aid.

“More than 50% of dead-on-arrival victims considered the symptoms they experienced as mild and did not seek medical attention or visit a health facility.

“When they were confirmed positive, it was already too late or they had died at home.” – March 3, 2022.