And now, it seems like another new cluster in Kedah have also took a turn for the worse.
Biggest active cluster in the country
According to the Ministry of Health, the Tawar Cluster now has 47 active cases, overtaking the Sivagangga Cluster by two cases.Upon investigations, it was found that a family gathering that did not adhere to the ministry’s guidelines caused the cluster.
Punca jangkitan Kluster Tawar dan Sala masih dalam siasatan. Namun, hasil siasatan dapati penularan jangkitan dalam dua kluster ini kerana tidak mematuhi sepenuhnya SOP spt kapasiti tetamu tidak mengikut saiz ruang dan tiada penjarakan fizikal selamat. - @DGHisham
— KKMPutrajaya (@KKMPutrajaya) August 18, 2020
“The number of individuals gathering exceeded the capacity of the indoor space, which meant safe physical distancing could not be practised.”
“This contributed to the widespread transmission within this cluster, although the index case and the real cause for this cluster are still being investigated, ” said Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
The Tawar Cluster has now spread to Penang, and six out of the 47 positive cases are receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Besides Tawar, another new cluster named Sala has been declared in Kedah, with eight cases reported.
Stay safe, stay vigilant, Malaysians! The battle against COVID-19 is far from over, remember to always wear a mask, wash your hands or use sanitisers, and practise social distancing.