Covid-19: nearly 2,000 healthcare professionals infected since the pandemic began (corrected)



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PUTRAJAYA: Nearly 2,000 healthcare workers in Malaysia have been found to be infected with Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic.

Tan Sri Health Director General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that most of them were infected at their workplace or in the community.

“The ministry has always been concerned about ensuring the safety and health of healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic by monitoring them regularly.

“So far, more than 52,000 healthcare workers, especially those in high-risk areas, have been tested for Covid-19.

“To date, a total of 1,880 healthcare workers have been found to be infected with Covid-19 since the pandemic began.

“According to an investigation by the Ministry of Health, it was discovered that health workers were infected mainly by their colleagues (33%) or by the community (also 33%),” said Dr. Noor Hisham in a statement Tuesday ( December 22th).

He said healthcare workers who must be tested for Covid-19 include those with symptoms, who have recently returned from service in Sabah, close contacts to positive cases, and are in facilities where a cluster has been detected.

He called on all healthcare workers to consistently adhere to Covid-19 preventive and control measures while at work, as well as when interacting with the community.

“At work, always practice the new rules like washing your hands frequently, wearing face masks, practicing good cough etiquette, and also having physical distance in rest areas, pantries and elevators.

“Put on your personal protective equipment (PPE) as recommended by the ministry and carry out a control process at all entrances to health facilities.

“The ministry calls on all borders to adopt preventive and control measures so that Covid-19 infection among personnel can be avoided,” he said.

Dr. Noor Hisham also urged the community to work with the ministry by always providing accurate information to healthcare workers so that they can conduct accurate risk assessments.

“An accurate risk assessment is very important because it can protect healthcare personnel and other patients from Covid-19 infection,” he said.

This article has been modified after a clarification from the Ministry of Health.



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