KLANG: The number of Covid-19 cases is expected to drop next month, said the Health Minister.

Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the current Covid-19 situation is being monitored based on four criteria, namely the number of infection cases, deaths, admissions to the intensive care unit and the burden faced by health facilities, especially hospitals.

"Insya-Allah, this January (cases) will come down, let's pray together,” he said, at the Amanah National Convention, here on Sunday (Dec 24).

Yesterday, Dr Dzulkefly said that Covid-19 cases recorded in the 51st Epidemiological Week, from Dec 17 to 22, increased by 29.5%, to 22,413 cases, compared with 17,307 cases recorded in the previous week.

He added that, currently, actions taken by the Health Ministry are according to needs and are systematic, and not only looking at the increased number of cases.

"Some are angry because it is not mandatory to wear a face mask. But I will not be influenced by an emotion. What I do is evidence-based, which is subject to the heightened alert system, and that will continue,” he said.

He said that, in the event of major and drastic changes, the ministry will refer to the four criteria set. – Bernama