Malaysia reports 122 new COVID-19 cases, two deaths
05 May, 2020
Malaysia reported 122 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Sunday (May 3), taking the total to 6,298 infections.
It marks the third straight day of the case count creeping back up, just as the federal government prepares to ease movement restrictions.
Medical ministry also reported two more deaths, raising the total number of fatalities from the outbreak to 105.
Of the brand new cases, 52 were imported, said the ministry on Twitter.
Among the patients who died was an 82-year-old man who also had high blood pressure and heart disease.
The other patient, a 64-year-old man, had a brief history of diabetes, high blood circulation pressure, in addition to kidney disease.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Friday announced that most economic sectors in the country will open from May 4, with health protocols set up.
Businesses such as for example cinemas, karaoke lounges and Ramadan bazaars will stay closed, as social distancing will be difficult to enforce in activities that involve mass gatherings.
Athletics that involve body contact and mass gatherings will not be allowed. These include football, rugby, swimming in public areas and all indoor sports.
Outdoor activities such as for example badminton, tennis, cycling, golf and running in small groups with not more than 10 persons will be permitted.
Malaysia's movement control order (MCO) has been around place since Mar 18 and has been extended three times until May 12.
The decision to help ease restrictions sparked criticism in a few quarters.
Former prime minister Najib Razak, whose political party UMNO is portion of the ruling coalition, said the easing of measures was "huge and sudden" and that there is no rush to reopen the economy, local media reported.
Malaysia's finance minister said on Saturday that Malaysia's economy in 2020 could shrink a lot more than initially forecast due to the extended MCO imposed to curb COVID-19.
Malaysia's central bank had projected in April gross domestic product (GDP) growth of between -2 % and 0.5 % this year.
The government will also announce an financial recovery plan later this month, added the minister.
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