A confession. I uninstalled the MySejahtera mobile application from the phone two weeks ago, as I did not think I would need it anymore.
I know many friends who got rid of it a long time ago, and I could not remember the last time I used the mobile application to check in at a venue.
But after hearing the latest Covid-19 news from the Health Ministry this week, I may consider reinstalling the mobile application.
The purpose of this Diary is not to scare anyone, but a reminder to stay alert.
In case you did not hear the news, the ministry reported 2,305 new cases during the 46th Epidemiology Week from Nov 12-18.
There were 21 new Omicron variants reported, consisting of 20 cases of Variant of Concern (VOC) and one Variant of Interest (VOI). There are 785 cumulative cases of VOI (XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5, and EG.5), with 783 local, and two imported cases.
The 2,305 cases represent a 28 per cent increase from the previous week (Nov 5-11), which was 1,801 infections.
In the past fortnight, several friends and acquaintances tested positive for Covid-19, but I did not expect the numbers to be that high.
It is a warning for all of us to be on our guard as we cannot afford another wave of infections.
The home minister has stocked up on test kits and face masks, especially with Christmas round the corner.
I did three tests in the past week. Thankfully, all were negative.
Looking around, most people have stopped wearing face masks. There have been times I have gone out without one, but not anymore. There are two packets in my car now.
If you are wondering, here is a breakdown of cases: Sarawak (143), Selangor (136), Kuala Lumpur (119), Melaka (117), Johor (59), Kedah (52), Penang (37), Terengganu (24), Sabah (23), Kelantan (21), Negeri Sembilan (16), Perlis (12), Perak and Putrajaya (nine) and Pahang (eight).
Stay safe, folks.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
A friend, Shashi Naidu, a corporate trainer and consultant, shared that the International College of Management and Sports is having special scholarship interviews for certificate and diploma programmes for SPM leavers in collaboration with Lala Move.
This business administration course includes a free motorcycle.
BENTU DE NATAL
Welcome the Christmas season with a ‘bang’ by helping Tropa de Santa Maria choir raise funds for new costumes.
Sara Frederica Santa Maria, who documents the traditions, culture, and language of the Portuguese of Melaka, established her dance group to train the younger generation.
Tickets for the dinner and dance – Bentu de Natal (the Christmas Wind) – are RM80 per head. Connect with Santa Maria on her Facebook page.
ENCHILADA PIE
Enchilada Pie is layers of seasoned ground beef, veggies, beans, cheese, enchilada sauce, and corn tortillas, all baked together until perfectly cheesy and golden. This casserole recipe is an easy twist on enchiladas without the hassle of rolling!
THAT’S THE WAY THE WORLD GOES ROUND
Speaking of enchilada pies, here is a John Prine classic called ‘That’s The Way The World Goes Round’. He performed this at the Juneau-Douglas High School Auditorium on Aug 16, 2008.
If you are familiar with Prine’s music, you will know why this song ends this week’s Diary.
See you next week.