In his update for the week ending Nov 25, Radzi said 48% of the cases were among individuals aged between 20 and 40 years, and 98% experienced only mild symptoms.

“Although there has been an increase in Covid-19 cases, the situation is under control and healthcare facilities are not strained,” he said.

“Considering the increasing number of Covid-19 cases, healthcare personnel in public and private healthcare facilities are advised to remain vigilant and have a ‘high index of suspicion’ for patients with acute respiratory symptoms, especially those from high-risk groups.”

Radzi said there are currently eight active clusters involving a total of 121 cases.

The number of hospital admissions rose by 2.9% per population of 100,000 compared with the preceding week.

Overall bed occupancy for non-critical cases rose by 0.9%, while utilisation of intensive care unit (ICU) beds increased by 0.4%.

He said there have been more than 1,000 Covid-19 cases a week since epidemiological week 41/2023 (Oct 8-14).

Four new Omicron variants have also been reported, all classified as variants of concern (VOC).

Radzi said two cases of a new Omicron variant, BA.2.86, have been reported after symptomatic screening at health clinics.

To date, nearly 46 countries have reported the BA.2.86 variant, which is classified as a variant of interest (VOI).

Both cases had no recent travel history outside the country within 14 days before symptoms appeared, and they were treated as outpatient cases.

Radzi said the variant does not result in more severe symptoms.