KUCHING: The record number of 555 new positive cases registered today (April 9), should be a warning to all, said Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said as long as people do not comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and as long as the cases in the state keep increasing, it will have huge implications as the people will not be able to return to life as usual.
“Therefore, I once again call on the people to continue to abide by the SOPs that have been issued.
“Do not be complacent, wear face masks and observe physical distancing at all times,” he said in a press conference on the daily Covid-19 update on Friday (April 9).
He said there was enough evidence to show that when funerals, weddings, gotong-royong and other social activities were held and there was lack of compliance with SOPs, it could lead to a rise in Covid-19 cases.
“We have witnessed several events that caused the Covid-19 cases to increase.
“So, please, don’t forget to comply with the SOP strictly. Every one of us must take care of our own health. When we are healthy, those around us are healthy and the whole of Sarawak is healthy,” he said.
In responding to a question, he noted that the committee had permitted some social activities to be carried out during the conditional movement control order (CMCO), with restrictions such as a maximum of 300 attendees or 50 percent of the venue’s capacity.
“Those who wish to hold such events must inform the District Office in their respective divisions so that they can assist in monitoring the SOP compliance,” he said.
On another note, Uggah said the police had issued a total of 41 compounds in Sibu for those violating the SOPs. One compound was issued in Lawas.
“This brings the number of compounds issued since the movement control order (MCO) was enforced on Mar 18, 2020 to 5,811,” he said.
