ALOR STAR: The Kedah government has urged Muslims to observe Covid-19 prevention measures at mosques and suraus in the wake of a spike in new infections in recent weeks.
State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Major (R) Mansor Zakaria said the State Islamic Religious Affairs Department's move to encourage congregants to wear masks is a proactive measure to curb further transmission of the virus.
"We take note about the circular issued by the State Islamic Religious Affairs Department encouraging congregants to put on masks. It is a proactive measure by the department.
"As for now, all activities at mosques and suraus in the state are allowed to carry on, but we strongly encourage congregants to take precautionary measures," Sanusi told a press conference after attending the state executive council meeting at WismaDarul Aman here today.
Mansor was commenting on a circular issued by the department's director Datuk Abdul Ghani Zainuddin recently.
According to the circular, Muslims are encouraged to put on face masks and take precautionary measures recommended by the Health Ministry, while attending mass prayers and other religious activities in mosques and suraus in the state.
The department also advised those who fall in the high risk categories of contracting Covid-19; and people with symptoms such as fever, flu and coughing to refrain from taking part in mass religious activities.
The circular was issued following a Health Ministry report on the spike of Covid-19 infection cases nationwide.
In a related matter, Mansor said Kedah recorded 1,045 new Covid-19 infections during the 52nd Epidemiology Week (EW52) between Dec 24 and Dec 30, 2023.
He said the number of cases recorded during EP52 showed a decline of 268 cases or 20.4 per cent compared to the EP51, with no new death case reported.
"Out of the total cases reported in EW52 89 per cent were detected through health screenings and there was no new cluster reported during the week.
"Most of the positive cases showed minor symptoms that did not require treatment at hospitals while 140 cases were hospitalised with no new death cases reported," he said.
Mansor added that the cumulative Covid-19 cases reported in Kedah for the whole 2023 are 9,006 cases with 41 reported death cases.
On the concern over Kota Setar, Kulim and Kuala Muda recording the highest number of infection cases in Kedah over the past recent weeks, he said the trend was expected since the three districts are among the most populated areas in the state.
"Overall, the situation is under control, there is no need for the public to panic.
"However, we strongly urge the people to put on face masks at crowded areas and to observe self-control and avoid making close contact with those showing Covid-19 symptoms.
"Those testing positive should carry out self-quarantine and be honest with their immediate family members and people around them," he said.
Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor urged the people to observe the Health Ministry's guidelines to contain Covid-19 spread.
He said as for now, all programmes involving gatherings in the state will proceed as planned but reminded the people to take precautionary measures.