Containment of COVID-19 no longer possible, focus on mitigation, says Dr Lee

IPOH (March 16): The containment of the COVID-19 spread is no longer possible, The Star reported Dr Lee Boon Chye (pictured) saying today.

Writing in his Facebook posting, the former deputy health minister under the Pakatan Harapan government said that the authorities should instead “focus on mitigation to reduce the number of cases and optimise the healthcare resources”.

He also added that the Ministry of Health also should now prioritise patients.

“Mild cases and patients without symptoms should be kept in special areas with less intensive care.

“Patient-under-investigation (PUI) should also be put in special isolation facilities, maybe at special hotels or hostels until COVID-19 is excluded..

“More staff needs to be trained to deal with Covid-19 and to ensure personal protective equipment to prevent infection are sufficient,” he explained.

Dr Lee also urged Putrajaya to stop all mass gatherings such as religious, social, sports activities for one month, while overseas travel should be discouraged.

 “Schools, colleges, universities and kindergartens should also close for one month.

“All public transport, transport terminals and government offices should have disinfection regularly,” he said.

“They (the government) also should ensure sufficient supply of masks and food items, allowing only limited purchase,” he added.

Yesterday, six doctors have urged the government to consider ordering a country wide lockdown in light of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.

In a joint statement, the doctors said they believe that a lockdown would allow carriers of the virus to be easily isolated and identified.

“The advice for social distancing has obviously fallen on deaf ears, as I see people going about their daily lives as if there is no threat at all.

“I do consider the implication of such measures, but we do not want to be too late, like other countries, which are fighting a losing battle now. Every day matters,” said the six doctors.