No Covid-19 cases recorded from Chinese tourists - Health Minister

PUTRAJAYA – There have been no Covid-19 cases detected among the 28,705 Chinese tourists entering the country through the international arrival gate in the 10 days since Jan 8.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said only one tourist was detected with a fever during the screening process.

"The RTK-AG test conducted on the individual was negative," she said in a statement on Friday.

She said the Health Ministry would continue to monitor the developments of the infection domestically and internationally through the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as the cooperation with Asean countries and China.

"The ministry will always ensure the prevention and control measures were implemented continuously," she said.

Zaliha said since China’s border restrictions were lifted on Jan 8, daily Covid-19 cases in the country remained below 500 cases.

She said the daily Covid-19 cases reported remained in the three-digit range since Dec 17, 2022.

"The trend of receiving the second booster dose in health facilities throughout the countries shows an increase," she said.

She said the recipient of the first booster dose in January increased from 49.8 per cent or 16,279,746 doses to 49.9 per cent at 16,292,524 doses.

"The second booster dose saw an increase of 2.2 per cent or 733,668 doses compared to 1.9 per cent or 633,941 previously," she said.

The ministry advised individuals who have yet to receive their Covid-19 primary vaccine dose and booster dose to immediately register and protect themselves and their loved ones, especially during the Chinese New Year festive season.