KUCHING: Based on the State Health Department’s (JKNS) analysis, mass gatherings and failure to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and new norm practices are the main factors causing the formation of Covid-19 clusters in the state.
Its director Dr Chin Zin Hing said this included not practising physical distancing, not wearing face masks or using them incorrectly, and not practising proper hand hygiene.
He noted that this year, Sarawak had seen a significant rise in Covid-19 cases as well as the number of clusters detected.
“Members of the public in Sarawak are reminded that at this moment, the Covid-19 virus is already in the community itself.
“The virus is just waiting for an opportunity to spread from those infected (whether the individual is symptomatic or not) to others who are close to them,” he said in a statement today (Feb 26).
He said infections could occur when people were together in crowded or confined spaces, engaged in close conversations, or when their face masks were removed while eating or drinking.
Based on reports, he said the causes of the increase in clusters this year following mass gatherings were as follows:
- Four clusters involving funeral ceremonies – one each in Sibu, Beluru, Kapit, and Kuching. Cluster size ranges from 25 to over 2,000 cases per cluster.
- 11 clusters involving social gatherings – three in Kuching, two in Samarahan, and one each in Serian, Sri Aman, Kapit, Julau, Betong, and Bau. Cluster size ranges from 17 to 61 cases per cluster.
- Five clusters involving workplaces – two in Bintulu and one each in Matu, Meradong, and Sri Aman. Cluster size ranges from 10 to 35 cases per cluster.
- One cluster involving a wedding ceremony in Miri, resulting in 187 cases.
“Thus, JKNS needs the cooperation of all parties to avoid participating in any large gatherings because the risk of Covid-19 infections occurring is high in such situations.
“At the same time, the public is advised to continue to comply with the SOP which is in force at all times,” said Dr Chin.
He also urged the public to be concerned towards protecting their family members and colleagues by not exposing themselves to the risk of Covid-19 infection.
“The public is urged to act wisely to curb the Covid-19 pandemic in Sarawak,” he said.
