LETTERS: Our government is to be commended for its robust and rigorous handling of the Covid-19 epidemic.
Preventive measures put in place by government, particularly the Health Ministry (MoH) exemplifies our level of preparedness. We have been ranked the third best after South Korea and Thailand for pandemic, according to the Global Health Security Index 2019.
MoH has been closely monitoring the situation on the ground as well as in China.
Standard operating procedures (SOP) for the precautionary measures such as the strategic placement of thermal scanners or infrared energy sensor (complemented by thermographic monitors) at airports as well as major entry points and tourist locations (that are frequented by tourists from mainland China, Hong Kong) is very reassuring.
Thankfully, the rate of recovery is quicker than SARS and MERS. It has been said that Covid-19 may well be seasonal. China’s chief medical adviser was reported as saying that the pandemic is slowing and transmission could come to a halt by April.
But can we be so sure? Covid-19 may not only persist for a while (i.e. lasting beyond May or June) but also spread wider (the multiplier factor). The fact that it is now known to be very adaptable and escape detection for up to 14 days or so (cases of asymptomatic patients).
Also, Covid-19 has been discovered by scientists to be able to mutate very quickly because it is a single stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Covid-19 not only affects the respiratory tracts but also the cardiovascular system. Its spike protein is able to bind to what is known as the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). By doing so, Covid-19 uses ACE2 a host receptor to gain entry into the cardiovascular system.
In short, ACE2 affects the pumping of blood to our hearts, and by extension the risk of developing heart attack. By implication, this would require us to expand our attention, effort and resources in monitoring and supervising patients alongside potentially raising the rate of mortality to a higher level.
At the same time, mutability of Covid-19 genome impacts on a vaccine’s capability to combat and destroy the virus, not to mention the cure (antiviral drug) itself.
Then there is also the possible mutation which would result in the number of “super spreaders” increase.
‘Super-spreaders’ are infected people that have the propensity to extend the transmission net or scope beyond the average of 1.5 or 3.5 (transmission rate or RO).
Through the coordinating role of the National Disaster Management Agency – we could further bolster existing precautionary measures in terms of public health security.
First, construct a pandemic-based hospital for the purpose of quarantine, observation and research of communicable and contagious diseases.
Second, a suitable site shall be chosen that is on the periphery of greater Kuala Lumpur – perhaps somewhere near Sungai Buloh hospital.
Third, a buffer zone shall be established both on the outer ring that separates the hospital proper from the other sites and the inner ring.
Fourth, establishing a region-or Asean-wide main centre for pandemic/ epidemic or contagion control. This is to exchange real-time data, findings/ results and recommendations and conduct state-of-the art and cutting-edge R&D.
Fifth, funds could be pooled from member-states.
Sixth, ‘subsidiaries’ or centres under the management of the main centre could also be set up in the respective member states.
Seventh, develop multi-disciplinary-based AI for application to contagious disease (by enlisting the technical assistance of experts from other countries.
In addition to a pandemic-based hospital certain hospitals in high-density urban areas should also be equipped with underground facilities for quarantine and rehabilitation purposes. If need, there should a flood-proof tunnel that connects to epidemiological R&D centres for immediate action.
Develop a highly-mobile, rapid response, public health tactical unit equipped with specialised ambulances that contain diagnostics kit (such as computerised tomography/ CT) and emergency tools to deal with the outbreak and initial wave of the contagion. Integrating public health security into an overall total defence strategy and policy.
We still have a long way to towards ensuring that vaccine and cure and on-going R&D is in town. But, there’s no need to panic or become unsettled. In the meantime, wash, rinse, repeat.
JASON LOH
Emir Research
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times