KUCHING: The public are reminded to remain vigilant in light of the escalating COVID-19 situation in Sarawak.
In a Facebook post yesterday (Dec 15), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted a concerning 171 percent increase in COVID-19 cases reported by the Sarawak Health Department during Epidemiological Week 49 (Dec 3 to Dec 9).
The cases surged to 310, with the likelihood of more untested cases, compared to the previous week’s 114.
During Epidemiological Week 49, out of 39 admissions, 25 patients were admitted to the hospital with category three, four, and five conditions, compared to the previous weeks’ 6 cases over 13 admissions.
In citing this, he said despite the transition into endemic and living with the virus as a norm, symptoms remain mild due to vaccinations, while infectivity remains high.
“Despite four doses of COVID 19 vaccinations, with the current surge, some of our loved ones will still succumb to COVID-19.
“The good news is, we can minimise the risk by going back to what we have been doing during the height of COVID19 pandemic.
“It’s for each one of us to play our roles and do our parts again. We, Sarawakians, have done it in 2020 to 2022 with the lowest number of cases and deaths in Malaysia, we shall do it again,” he said.
Additionally, Dr Sim urged the public, especially the vulnerable groups, to ensure they have received the second booster dose and practise TRISS (Test, Report, Isolate, Inform, and Seek) if symptomatic.
Additionally, he recommended RTK Ag testing for individuals with flu symptoms.
For those testing positive, he urged them to promptly get the free oral Paxlovid (oral antiviral covid) as early as possible to prevent severe symptoms and commence a five-day quarantine.
He also assured that Sarawak currently has a three-months stock pile of Personal Protective Equipment and oral Paxlovid.
