KUALA LUMPUR: All mass gatherings should be postponed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Health Ministry said today.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this includes religious events and gatherings.
“Those with symptoms of respiratory tract infection are advised not to attend programmes at crowded areas or to be at confined places, including religious activities.
“Individuals who exhibit symptoms of Covid-19 are advised to adopt social distancing by standing at least one-metre away from another individual,” he said, adding that they should also avoid visiting places during the upcoming school holidays.
He said this following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration on Wednesday that Covid-19 is now a pandemic.
Dr Noor Hisham also advised Malaysians to refrain from travelling abroad, especially to affected countries.
The Health Ministry had on Wednesday called on attendees of a religious gathering at the Sri Petaling mosque in Kuala Lumpur, who have symptoms of the disease to get tested for Covid-19 immediately.
Two people who attended the four-day gathering - a Malaysian man and a Brunei citizen - tested positive for Covid-19.
“The ministry urges all who had attended the ijtimak tabligh at Sri Petaling Mosque, Kuala Lumpur from Feb 28 to March 1 to cooperate with our health officials to ensure Covid-19 does not continue to spread.
“Please call the CPRC hotline or contact the respective district health departments as soon as possible,” Dr Noor Hisham tweeted.
The gathering involved some 10,000 people from several countries.
Dr Noor Hisham also advised the public to take everyday preventive actions to stay healthy.
“Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick.
“Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.
“Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Follow public health advice, travel advisories, avoid crowds and follow other social distancing measures.
“Stay informed. The ministry will update regularly as information becomes available,” he shared on Twitter.
According to WHO, a pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said the organisation is deeply concerned by the alarming levels of the disease spread, severity and inaction.
WHO, he said, expects to see the number of cases, deaths and affected countries climb even higher.
“Therefore, we made the assessment that Covid-19 can be characterised as a pandemic,” he tweeted.
As of March 11, 126,064 confirmed Covid-19 cases were reported, with 4,630 deaths. A total of 68,211 patients have recovered.