Sibu Covid-19 outbreak no longer confined to longhouses - state official

 

As Chinese New Year approaches, a Sarawak state official has warned Sibu folks that the cases of local Covid-19 infections are no longer confined to the longhouses where the outbreak initially began.

Sarawak Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee said the latest statistics showed that only 27 percent of Covid-19 cases reported in Sibu over the last few days involved longhouses, while about 70 percent were detected in town.

"The majority of the reported cases in Sibu now are not at longhouses. To me, the virus has already assimilated into the Sibu community and is no longer confined to longhouse areas.

"Therefore, it is very important for all of us to not assume that we (in town) are alright thinking that cases are only reported in longhouse areas," said the Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee coordinator.

According to the Borneo Post, Annuar said this during a Facebook Live session yesterday hosted by Sibu Municipal Council chairperson Clarence Ting. The session also featured Sarawak General Hospital infectious disease specialist Dr Chua Hock Hin.

Annuar said four quarantine and low-risk treatment centres (PKRC) had been set-up to help ease the burden of Sibu Hospital. The four PKRCs have a capacity of 1,039 beds and are currently at 50 percent capacity.

The facilities would be burdened with a spike in cases if there was to be a failure to strictly follow standard operating procedures (SOP) and willingness to seek early medical attention, he added.

"That is why it is most important for us to take ownership in the fight against Covid-19 and not rely entirely on the authorities.

"We can do our part by staying at home, avoiding crowded places and wearing face masks besides seeking immediate treatment when feeling unwell," he said.

Meanwhile, Ting called on Sibu folk to strictly follow the Chinese New Year SOP issued by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee.

He said while the traditional reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year is important for the community, unwell family members should not attend.

Last Friday, Ting announced that the Sibu Central Market, with around 1,400 traders, will be closed for one week from today after 47 Covid-19 cases were reported.

The district remains a Covid-19 red zone and is under the movement control order until Feb 14. - Mkini