In Malaysia, the number of COVID-19 cases are picking up again.

And in the grand scheme of things, COVID-19-related deaths around the world have also reached a worrying number.

According to CNN, more than a million people worldwide have died because of the pandemic so far, and the numbers just keep increasing.

It took about six months since the first confirmed death from the virus in China in January for the death toll to reach 500,000 but the number has doubled in half the time.

The virus is spreading really fast and killing millions, but it seems like we won't see an end to it or even a slowing down anytime soon.

Scary numbers
There are more than 33.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with the United States recording the highest number of cases at 7.16 million and 250,000 deaths.

This is followed by India with 6.07 million cases and 95,500 deaths; Brazil with 4.75 million cases and 142,000 deaths; and Russia with 1.16 million cases and 20,300 deaths.

It could be 2022 before vaccines are widely available

We have a long wait
A report by CNN, quoting World Health Organisation chief science officer Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, shows that the world will not be able to go back to pre-COVID days till 2022, at least.

Although there are about 35 vaccines at human trial phase right now, the vaccines will not be ready for public use till mid-2021 at the very earliest.

By the time enough vaccines are made and administered worldwide to enough people, it will be 2022.

"We're looking at 2022 at least before enough people start getting the vaccine to build immunity.

"So for a long time to come, we have to maintain the same kind of measures that are currently being put in place with physical distancing, the masking and respiratory hygiene," she reportedly told reporters during a virtual press conference in mid September.


She added that at least 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the population will have to be vaccinated before the world sees a dramatic reduction in COVID-19 cases.

There are also concerns over how long the vaccines will work, considering the nature of viruses to mutate, and if we will need boosters.

Number of cases locally is concerning too

Although the number of cases in Malaysia is nowhere near as high as some of the countries we mentioned (which are also much bigger than us and have a much bigger population), it is still concerning especially with the spike in cases lately and new clusters.

As of 28 September, the country has recorded a total of 11,034 cases, with 1,011 active cases and 134 deaths.


It is time for each and every one of us to be mindful and take all precautions to slow down the spread of the virus.

This includes staying home as much as possible, avoiding crowded places, maintaining physical distancing, wearing masks and sanitising as often as possible.


We're not out of the woods yet, so let's work together to keep the virus at bay until vaccines are found and widely available.