According to Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, lab tests have confirmed that the Tawar Cluster contains the D614G COVID-19 mutation.
A more infectious strain
Based on the findings, there is a large possibility that the Tawar and Sivagangga Cluster are linked to each other and may have the same source of infection.Hasil ujian makmal mendapati Kluster Tawar mempunyai mutasi D614G. Justeru, Kluster Tawar dan Kkuster PUI Sivagangga kemungkinan besar daripada sumber yang sama. Namun siasatan lanjut masih dijalankan. - @DGHisham pic.twitter.com/ThLfcsgibi
— KKMalaysia?? (@KKMPutrajaya) August 27, 2020
The D614G mutation is believed to increase the infectivity of the virus that causes COVID-19.
The ministry is currently investigating patients from the Tawar Cluster that may be related to the Sivagangga Cluster.
There are currently 73 cases from the Tawar Cluster and Sivagangga has 45 cases; the former cluster originated from a family gathering while a man who flouted home quarantine upon returning from India caused the latter.
The battle against COVID-19 is far from over, so always remember to wear a facemask, practise social distancing, and frequently sanitise or wash your hands.