By Umie Syazwanie Mohd
KUCHING: Members of the public had mixed views over the entry relaxations to Sarawak given by the authorities.
The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), in its latest guidelines, said fully vaccinated long-distance couples and parents were permitted to enter Sarawak.
However, they need to produce negative rT-PCR test results and police permits before travelling to Sarawak.
Some members of the public pointed out that it might be premature to allow entry of fully vaccinated individuals to the state as the daily Covid-19 cases were still high.
Others support the government move, saying that some families had been separated for a long time. However, they stressed that a 14-day quarantine period must be in place to prevent a spike in infections.
Alicetika Cottrell, housewife
I do not agree to the move. This is because the cases in Sarawak are still high. The pandemic is very dangerous to the safety and health of the people. Sarawakians living abroad also face difficulties in returning to the state and have not seen their families in the villages for a long time.
Phrisillia Mujan Peter, student
I do not agree to the move because the daily Covid-19 cases are very worrying. Even though a person has been fully vaccinated, he or she can be a carrier of the Covid-19 virus.
Jennifer Sahim, health officer
Parents or long-distance spouses who have been fully vaccinated can be considered and given the flexibility to enter Sarawak. This can reduce stress, anxiety and longing for family members. However, they must comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that have been set.
Gary Lejau Mathew, technician
The flexibility provided by the SDMC is quite good but still has its risks. Therefore, the spouses or parents must comply with the SOPs that have been gazetted. I suggest that the couples or parents self-quarantine at their own homes and are monitored by the authorities by updating their latest locations.
Muhd Syafiq Syahmi Jaraie, production operator
I agree with this move because the government has promised the people that if they are fully vaccinated, they can travel to meet their families. However, to enter Sarawak, the SDMC must ensure they comply with the SOPs such as taking a swab test before taking a flight to Sarawak and undergoing quarantine for 14 days at a designated location.
Muhd Mursalin Samsudin, cashier
I agree with what has been proposed. Since Covid-19 is very serious now, at least those allowed to enter Sarawak are fully vaccinated. However, they must be quarantined for at least 14 days and be swabbed.
