The infections were detected after 758,919 RTK (Rapid Test Kit) Antigen tests were carried out, he added.

He said based on weekly epidemiological records, there had been an upward trend in the number of Covid-19 tests conducted, either professionally or with self-test kits.

According to Noor Hisham, it was vital for any result from Covid-19 tests to be reported to the ministry as it would have an effect on the national infectivity rate.

“It would also help increase awareness among the public on the importance of carrying out self-tests.

“While the ministry is ramping up testing at public and private facilities, with the public’s help in conducting a self-test, we could increase the screening rate,” he said in a statement.

Early detection of Covid-19 cases through self-test kits, he said, would help the individual monitor their health and assess risks in order to seek treatment sooner rather than later.

“And this will reduce the number of those brought-in-dead,” he said.

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