CORONAVIRUS | The death toll from Covid-19 has risen to 26, and there are 130 new cases as of noon bringing the total number of infections to 2,161.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham said of the current cases, 54 are in ICU with 34 needing breathing assistance.

Of the newly reported deaths, the 25th casualty was Patient 2,032, an 83-year-old man with a history of chronic illness.

He was treated at the Ipoh Hospital yesterday, and died at 6.55pm yesterday.

The 26th death was Patient 1321, a 53-year-old man who was a close contact with Patient 1,309.

He was treated at the Sungai Buloh Hospital on March 22, and was declared dead at 10.30am this morning.

Earlier, a 35-year-old man was declared as the 24th victim of the virus.

Meanwhile, Noor Hisham said there are 88 cases of Covid-19 in Kluang area, Johor.

Of this number, 74 cases are from Kampung Dato Ibrahim Majid and Bandar Baharu Dato Ibrahim Majid in Simpang Renggam. Both these areas have been placed under complete lockdown.

Disinfection works will be carried out by the Simpang Renggam local council and the Local Government and Housing Ministry.

Meanwhile, 44 patients have also recovered, bringing the total cured to 259.