PUTRAJAYA: It is too early to decide whether the Movement Control Order (MCO), aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19, should be extended once more.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said that while there has been no exponential spike in cases, the ministry will continue to observe the trend in the next two weeks before the MCO ends on April 14.
"The number of cases reported daily ranges between 100 and 200, and there is no exponential spike of 1,000 to 2,000 cases, as reported in some countries.
"It is too early to say whether or not the MCO should be extended. It is now up to us, in the next two weeks, to flatten the curve and prevent any exponential spike, thus breaking the chain of infections.
"What is more important now is to practise social distancing and avoid crowded places, as well as (practicing good) personal hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap," he told a press conference today.
He said the ministry is taking the approach of "expecting the worst, hoping for the best", which includes increasing the number of beds and hospitals for Covid-19 patients.
Dr Noor Hisham said ministry staff are also following up on those placed under home surveillance to ensure that the spread of the virus is curbed, apart from active tracing of close contacts among patients.