Backlog Of 10 Days Contributed To Selangor Recording Its Highest COVID-19 Cases In A Day

The number of cases reported yesterday was nearly double of what was reported on Thursday.

In a statement earlier today, 30 January, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said that he convened the Selangor State Security Special Committee Meeting for COVID-19 Control last night after the highest number of daily cases were recorded in Malaysia and Selangor.

According to the statement, among the factors is a backlog in the reporting of cases.

"These included a backlog in the reporting of cases after testing factory workers, prison staff and inmates, as well as private hospitals and clinics, going back as far as 10 days ago," Amirudin said.

The same was also highlighted by Selangor Task Force for COVID-19 (STFC) head Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who said the cumulative cases included those uncovered during the mandatory screening of factory workers, screening held in prisons, hospitals, and private clinics that were not reported in real-time.

"For the record, an increase in cases was the result of pending cases over the past 10 days", he said in a statement today, 30 January, explaining the sudden increase in COVID-19 cases in Selangor.

At the same time, the Selangor MB said, the state government carry out the 'Preventing Outbreak at Ignition Site' (POIS), which will follow through with screening at factories and offices statewide with potential to contribute to further cases, before new clusters breakout.

"Factories have also been identified as a large contributor to the COVID-19 spread," he said.

According to Amirudin, POIS will be implemented in collaboration with JKNS, Selgate Corporation Sdn Bhd, Local Council Authorities (PBT), and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).

"The state government will also recommend to the Federal Government to take firm action against factories concealing positive COVID-19 cases among their staff, or for refusal to cooperate with contact tracing efforts," he added.

"Going further, more COVID-19 Assessment Centres will be set in the Petaling, Hulu Langat, and Gombak districts to analyse and categorise COVID-19 patients into asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and symptomatic groups before being quarantined at either designated centres or hospitals," Amirudin said.

"The existing Low-Risk Quarantine and Treatment Centre in MAEPS, Serdang, will be expanded to accommodate a further 6,000 patients, including ICU and other medical facilities."

"Always wear a mask, use hand sanitiser, and maintain social distancing if you have to go out," he said, adding, "This is our shared responsibility, as togetherness is the only way we can contain and overcome the spread of this virus, to protect ourselves and our loved ones."