Omicron

Rather disturbing, isn't it, when people can sneak out of the country when they are unvaccinated but that was what happened when a group of Malaysians returning from their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia were tested positive for the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus upon their return. Although the authorities have promised an investigation into this matter, there is this deep concern that these people have already started spreading the virus to the community via their family members and friends. 

We don't know the true extent of the infections as this Omicron variant is reported to be milder than the previous Delta or Indian variant. Being mild mean a greater chance that infected people may mistake their symptoms for the common cold or influenza. 

Plus, I view the daily official numbers released by the Health Ministry with some scepticism. Everyone suspects that the numbers are under-reported, and they may be right! At the very least, friends tell me that we should double the official figures and even then, it may still be inaccurate. Anyhow, if the situation remains unchecked, there is a possibility of a full-blown viral attack by March. (Friends in Australia also doubt their own numbers, saying that they are multiplying their numbers by five or 10 times.) 

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Department has released a list of hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negri Sembilan for the purpose of quarantining the infected returnees. Thank goodness for this list. There's some comfort here that healthy visitors to KL and the two states can avoid booking themselves into these quarantine hotels. I can never be assured enough that their sanitisation process will be thorough to satisfy me!