SEREMBAN: Despite an impressive Covid-19 vaccination rate, Negri Sembilan is unable to move to Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) owing to the high number of daily cases and bed occupancy at its intensive care units.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said almost 75% of the 855,417 eligible individuals above 18 in the state have received their first dose of the vaccine and 42%, the second.

       “We expect the recipients of the first and second doses to increase to 80% and 47% this week.

       “Despite this, we will still need time to move to Phase Two of the NRP as our daily cases and ICU bed occupancy are very high,” he told reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting.

       He said bed occupancy increased to almost 155% a few days ago but has since fallen to 104%.

       The number of daily cases reported has also been high with 816 reported on Aug 3, 862 (Aug 2), 809 (Aug 1), 929 (July 31) and 1,079 (July 30).

       Aminuddin said with increased vaccination, the number of Categories Four and Five cases started showing a downtrend.

       “That is a good sign. It will further reduce the bed occupancy in the ICUs,” he said.

       Covid-19 patients are characterised as: Category One asymptomatic patients, Category Two showing mild symptoms, Category Three having pneumonia. Patients in Category Four require supplemental oxygen while those in Category Five are diagnosed as critically ill or need ventilator support.

       The Mentri Besar hoped people would continue to adhere to all Covid-19 standard operating procedure.

       “Our frontliners are working very hard to ensure more people are vaccinated. It may take some time to move to Phase Two of the NRP, but let’s play our part to bring down the number of cases,” he said.