By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, May 31 — The state government is urging the public, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, to get their Covid-19 vaccinations and booster doses amid concerns over the rise in infections.
This is after neighbouring Singapore clocked a significant increase this month.
State executive councillor for public health Jamaliah Jamaluddin said while Covid-19 cases in Selangor remain relatively low at 217 cases per 100,000 people — the fifth-highest nationwide — the state saw a slight increase in infections from April 28 to May 5 compared to the previous week.
[caption id="attachment_333932" align="alignleft" width="465"]
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin speaks during an interview with Media Selangor at her office in the State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam, on November 6, 2023. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
However, no Covid-related deaths have been recorded in Selangor since March 20.
"High-risk groups are encouraged to get additional Covid-19 vaccinations as a preventive measure. The optimal time to receive a booster dose is within six to 12 months after the last dose,” she said in a statement today.
An analysis of the 16 Covid-19 deaths recorded in Selangor this year also revealed that 70 per cent were elderly, 70 per cent had comorbidities, and 62 per cent had either never been vaccinated or had not completed their doses.
"Selangor residents are advised to continue following the Health Ministry’s guidelines, which include maintaining good hygiene, wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces and receiving Covid-19 vaccinations and booster shots if eligible,” said Jamaliah.
Meanwhile, public health facilities in the state remain ready to deal with an uptick in cases and ensure the situation remains under control.
Her remarks come after a high-level state meeting attended by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Jamaliah, representatives from the Selangor Health Department, and other state executive councillors, among others.
The meeting was held following an uptick in Covid-19 cases in Singapore during the week between May 5 and May 11.
Previously, it was reported that the island nation saw cases rise to over 25,900, a 90 per cent increase compared to 13,700 in the preceding week.
