According to The Star, while the Omicron form is less severe, experts worry that the sheer volume of cases will put a strain on the country's healthcare system.
Dr. Steven Lim, an infectious diseases physician at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, said the variation was 70 times more contagious than its Delta cousin.
Experts warn that Omicron could put a strain on the healthcare system. (Photo / Retrieved from Pixabay)
"Due to the propagation of the Omicron form, we're seeing a rapid increase in Covid-19 infection rates in practically every corner of the world."
"The increased number of cases will undoubtedly have an impact on our healthcare systems," he warned. On February 10, the national average hospitalisation rate was 68.4 percent, according to the Health Ministry's CovidNow portal, with 1,390 patients admitted in seven days, up from 916 on February 2.
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Despite the fact that Omicron's spread is unavoidable, Dr. Lim believes that everything possible should be done to slow it down in order to avoid hospitals becoming overburdened and to safeguard the high-risk population from Covid-19 consequences.
He stated that two years into the pandemic, everyone should be aware of the precautions to take.
"Physical separation, mask use, avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and maintaining hand cleanliness are not novel concepts, but they must be implemented with personal discipline and social responsibility.
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"Everyone should presume that everyone else is contaminated and practice these procedures with vigilance," he said.
