KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 — Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has warned the public to keep clear of hospitals to protect themselves from Covid-19.

His advice comes after claims emerged of people getting infected with the coronavirus after visiting hospitals for other medical reasons.

During a press conference today, Dr Noor Hisham said the virus can easily spread from medical personnel to patients and visitors, and vice versa.

"This is why the Health Ministry does not encourage hospital visitors because the risk of infection is very high,” he said.

"We see now that non-Covid-19 designated hospitals are also accepting Covid-19 patients for treatment. So we advise everyone to stay away from hospitals and discourage hospital visits.”

He added that the Health Ministry is also looking at more effective ways to prevent the transmission of the virus among hospital personnel and patients.

Malaysia recorded 3,631 Covid-19 cases today, as well as 14 deaths.