PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has detected 25 Covid-19 cases believed to be from the Delta variant from periodic screenings that were carried out in Parliament on Monday (Nov 29).

       Its director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pic) said cases that were identified had a RT-PCR value of between 13.70 and 36.11.

       “For now, there is high probability that samples taken are from the Delta variant, which were detected through PCR genotyping assay screening.

       “To confirm this variant, the Institute of Medical Research has carried out a genomic study and is waiting for the full result,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Nov 30).

       Dr Noor Hisham said the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department is carrying out investigation and contact tracing as well as risk evaluation to determine the cause of infection.

       This is to allow further action to be taken as quickly as possible apart from disinfecting areas around Parliament.

       Dr Noor Hisham said that 84 Covid-19 cases had been detected from periodic screenings carried out during the current Parliament meeting.

       He said that 18 cases were detected from pre-Dewan Rakyat meeting screenings carried out from Oct 22 to 25.

       “Following this, control and preventive measures were taken. All cases were isolated and investigation showed that neither of the cases had epidemiological links and nor were there any clusters reported,” he said.

       Dr Noor Hisham said screenings carried out when the Dewan Rakyat was in session between Oct 27 and Nov 28 resulted in 41 Covid-19 cases being detected.

       These cases were also isolated immediately and no clusters were reported.

       “The Health Ministry will provide more information on Covid-19 infection in Parliament from time to time. The health status of the positive cases and their close contacts will be monitored.

       “We advise individuals who are present at Parliament to continue monitoring their health status via the MySejahtera application.

       “Those who develop symptoms must not attend Parliament, get screened for Covid-19 and seek treatment immediately,” he said.