Table 1 The stages of COVID-19 severity in Malaysia corresponding to the classification of World Health Organization

Stage 1

Asymptomatic

Non-severe

Absence of sign of severe or critical disease

Stage 2

Symptomatic, no pneumonia

Stage 3

Symptomatic, pneumonia

Stage 4

Symptomatic, pneumonia, requiring supplemental oxygen

Severe

• SpO₂ < 90% on room air

• Respiratory rate > 30 breaths/min in adults

• Raised respiratory rate in children

• Signs of severe respiratory distress

Stage 5

Critically ill with multi-organ involvement

Critical

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome

• Sepsis

• Septic shock

• Require life- sustaining therapies