As we all know, Malaysia is currently experiencing the COVID-19 Omicron wave, as is the rest of the world. According to our health minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, "Starting from 6th February, Malaysia's COVID-19 cases has seen a significant increase. " 

KJ also added that the majority of the infections were under categories 1 and 2, or asymptomatic or mild and in other words, do not require hospitalization. 

"We have managed to reduce the number of serious infections, due to vaccines," he explained. "We predict that future COVId-19 positive patients will only experience mild symptoms should they arm themselves with full COVID-19 vaccinations." Mentioning that the Omicron wave will likely be less severe compared to the Delta wave, KJ reassured the public that our health facilities are currently equipped and prepared to accept more patients in the ICUs. 

Health care professionals in the country are more than qualified to treat Omicron variant patients, as they will require a shorter hospitalization time compared to the other variants. 

In accordance with the Omicron wave press conference, KJ announced that senior citizens aged 60 and above as well as the recipients of the Sinovac vaccines as their primary doses are required to take their booster shots if they wish to maintain their fully vaccinated status by the 1st of March. 

Other than that, he has also advised employees to re-implement WFH, to help curb the current surge of COVID-19 cases. Employers are also encouraged to provide COVID-19 test kits and masks to each of their employees.

Lastly, KJ hopes that the Omicronwave will have died down in time for Hari Raya celebrations. So, fingers crossed?