PETALING JAYA: Except for the rise in education clusters, all main indicators related to Covid-19 in the country have shown reductions, says Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

       The Health director-general said there was reduction in new cases, deaths, ventilator and ICU use, despite a slight increase in the country's infectivity levels.

       "All categories of clusters showed a downward trend, except for education clusters," he said in a statement on Monday (Dec 6).

       He said there was a 7.8% reduction in the number of new cases for the epidemiological week 48 from two weeks ago, a 3.3% reduction in deaths from the previous week, and 11% reduction in ICU treatment.

       "A downward trend in ventilator use started 16 weeks ago while ICU treatment for Covid-19 has shown consecutive reductions.

       "The reduction of both these indicators are in line with the increase in vaccinations," said Dr Noor Hisham.

       He said currently, only 227 out of the 5,969 recorded clusters were still active.

       He also said that the increase in education clusters should not be taken lightly.

       "Non-adherence by individuals to existing standard operating procedures (SOP) can give rise to unwanted clusters.

       “Data shows that out of the 16 clusters involving educational institutions, 12 occurred in secondary schools and higher educational institutions," said Dr Noor Hisham.

       While most youths and adults are now completely vaccinated, he urged them to be mindful of the SOP.