COVID-19 remains a threat despite low daily cases, health experts said, urging caution especially at large gatherings during the fasting month. 

Daily infections have dipped to below 300 in the past few months but people should still mask up when in a crowded and enclosed space. 

Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said Malaysians observing Ramadan are likely to visit family members to break fast.

He said people must be mindful of those in the high-risk groups.

“When visiting someone in the high-risk category, do ensure the person and those visiting are wearing masks,” he said.

Muruga said while Covid-19 cases in the country were well under control, people should not take it lightly, warning of potential dangers the virus could still cause to the high-risk group.

“A person may be fully vaccinated and given a booster but may have underlying health issues that may cause complications if they are infected with the virus.

“Those in the high-risk group should still be wary of severe symptoms and the dangers they pose if infected,” Muruga told The Malaysian Insight.

The MMA president said it would be better for those in the high-risk category to get their booster shots and to continue observing the now disregarded safety measures.

“They should ensure a distance of 1m where possible and bring along a hand sanitiser for use,” he said.

Muruga also stressed on the importance of strengthening one’s immune system to help prevent infections or reduce severity of symptoms if infected by Covid-19.

“A healthy diet, regular exercise, quality rest and effective management of stress are simple ways to strengthen the immune system,” he said.

Scheduled medical check-ups are also important as it allows a person to be up to date with their health status, he added.

Living with the virus

Meanwhile, former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said people should no longer fear Covid-19 as new infections as well as fatality rate have reduced over the last year.

He said most people are treating Covid like a common flu as the Omicron variant now is less severe.

“I think people are treating Covid-19 like a normal flu, which I think is right.

“If we look at Covid fatality ratio, out of 100 cases, how many people die as a result of the infection? I think the current Omicron fatality rate is less than 0.05%,” he said.

Lee said it is high time people move on by continuing to “live with the virus”, noting it will be impossible to bring infection numbers down to zero.

“Even if we want to bring the cases to zero with lockdowns, it is not possible,” Lee said, claiming China had failed to do so.

“So, I think we should let it be because at some point, we have to just live with it.”

With Malaysia still in the transition to endemic phase, Lee said the World Health Organization should just declare Covid endemic.

“By right we should just end the pandemic so people can carry on with their lives. Otherwise, this pandemic will still hang in the air.

“For people who not in the medical field, they will still think of this pandemic and will have hidden fears about another wave.

“But I think the probability is extremely low. If we look at the latest wave in China, there isn’t any variant outside of Omicron.

“I think we have no choice but to carry on with our lives as normal. We cannot be living in fear for the rest of our lives worrying about Covid,” he said.

Lee said most Malaysians have already been infected with the virus despite them following safety measures.

“Some of us wear masks, some observe physical distancing thinking that is able to prevent the Omicron variant from spreading but I don’t think it is realistic.

“I think the virus has already spread to each and everyone of us over the past year. Most are asymptomatic,” he said.

Lee also said the government should continue playing an important role in monitoring the situation locally as well as internationally.

“If there are any warning signs of new, serious variants or cases, then they should take appropriate measures,” he added. – March 24, 2023.