KUCHING: The current strategies to tackle Covid-19 are insufficient due to the increased virulence and rapid transmission of the Delta variant, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Sarawak Chapter.
Sarawak MMA chairman Dr Teh Siao Hean asserted that immunisation lessened the severity of infection, but did not completely prevent infection or virus transmission.
“The Delta variant is not only dominant in Sarawak but is also widespread in various nations.
“The variant has also surged in many places that were previously successful in controlling the Covid-19 virus, despite high vaccination rates.
“For instance, despite tight border controls and swift case detection in countries like China, New Zealand and Australia, the virus was still able to break through,” he said on Tuesday (Aug 31).
Dr Teh said other resources, including the private sector, must be mobilised to curb the virus as government healthl services were already stretched to the limit, having been underfunded and understaffed for years prior to the pandemic.
“High vaccination rates alone cannot stop the current Delta wave. Rapid contact tracing and isolation remain key in the FTTIS (Find, Test, Trace, Isolate and Support) strategy.
“The technology should be utilised to track people in isolation, and home monitoring packs with pulse oximeters should be used for early detection of warning signs.
“Masking and social distancing are here to stay, and workplace and eateries policies should include ventilation of enclosed rooms. Double masking and the use of face shields should also be the new routine.”
On another note, he commended Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s Institute of Health and Community Medicine, led by director Dr David Perera, for doing a tremendous job in identifying the Delta virus.
“The current wave has not shown signs of decline and it is difficult to predict what comes next as the virus has shown to be very adaptable. We need to continue our efforts to keep up before we can get ahead of the Covid-19 virus.”
