PETALING JAYA: With the nationwide infectivity rate (R0) at 1.0, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah says this is an early sign that the Covid-19 cases will increase.

       The Health director-general said the R0 had risen to 1.0 as of Nov 11, which is five weeks after interstate travel was allowed.

       “Similarly, if we look at the situation before this, the trend on the rise of cases can be seen between five and six weeks after interstate travel was allowed on Dec 7, 2020 back then,” he said during a press conference on Friday (Nov 12).

       Dr Noor Hisham said the main problem is not interstate travel, the issue is when people congregate together in enclosed spaces as well as talking in close proximity.

       “This is how Covid-19 spreads,” he said.

       He added with the RO at 1.0, cases were now deemed to be “flat”.

       “It will not drop but will be flat. Last time, the R0 was at 0.8, that means that there is a decrease of 20% in one cycle but right now, it will be flat.

       “So, this is an early sign that cases will increase. It has not increased, but it will, just that it is in a flat phase now,” he said.

       As such, he urged the public to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP).

       Dr Noor Hisham urged the public to continue to wear their face masks, and to double-mask if possible.

       “If we double-mask, it can filter the virus to about 86% to 90%,” he said, adding that if social distancing in an area is not possible, people can opt to wear a face shield.