Medical workers prepare to work in a building under the enhanced movement control order in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 14, 2020. The number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia totaled at 4,987 after 170 new cases were recorded, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia totaled at 4,987 after 170 new cases were recorded, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
Health Ministry Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah said at a press briefing that among the infections, 2,478 have been cured and discharged from hospital, while 60 are currently being held in intensive care and 33 of those are in need of assisted breathing.
The number of fatalities had risen to 82 after another five deaths were recorded, with four having suffered from other health problems prior to being infected, he said.
He added that the authorities had been working to acquire he personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks, gloves, face shields, goggles and other gear were running out and the government was working to secure more.
"The issue of a shortage of PPE is global with almost all countries being affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Usage of PPEs has also dramatically risen in the wake of COVID-19," he said.
