“This situation remains a concern for the health ministry as the increase in new cases and Rt (infectivity rate) values from the previous week reflects the (higher) potential for Covid-19 transmission to the community, and consequently, a higher risk of exposure to the virus,” he said in a statement today.

“The increase in the Rt value is directly proportional to the increase in new Covid-19 cases, especially if proper preventive measures are not taken.”

Noting that the infectivity rate had been rising daily since Nov 6, Noor Hisham said this was also followed by an 11% increase in new cases from the previous week.

The infectivity rate represents how many people an infected person will transmit the virus to on average. A number above 1.0 suggests that cases will increase, with anything below that suggesting that they will fall.

The country’s infectivity rate is currently 1.05. It was 0.92 on Nov 6.

Noor Hisham said this increase had come despite a decrease in other key indicators, such as deaths, average active cases, and the percentage of cases requiring treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Last week, the director-general noted the link between the current increase in Covid-19 cases and cross-country travel, stating that a similar loosening of restrictions last December led to a surge in cases.