KUCHING: If Sarawak is not careful, its healthcare system will be easily overwhelmed just like what is currently happening in West Malaysia, cautioned Sarawak Health Department (JKNS) director Dr Chin Zin Hing.
“We don’t want this to happen to Sarawak,” he stressed in a statement today.
Highlighting the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Sarawak, he said Kuching may turn red very soon while many districts have turned yellow, and perhaps soon even orange or red, if nothing is done to curb the spread.
“The current cases showed that Covid-19 is spreading in our community. It involves those ranging as young as four months to 86 years old,” he said.
He noted that what was different now was that the previously spared districts such as Sri Aman, Betong, Kapit, and Lawas were now affected.
“The working group in the community brought Covid-19 to their families and infected their children and the elderly. In addition, friends are infecting one another through their social group gatherings,” he said.
Dr Chin noted that the majority of those infected with Covid-19 either showed no symptoms or mild symptoms that are easily ignored.
He called on everyone to practise physical distancing at all times and to go for testing at the nearest clinic if they feel they are at risk.
“Please postpone any unnecessary face-to-face departmental meetings or travelling at this moment,” he urged.
He said that if one felt unwell, no matter how mild the symptoms are, they should:
- Practise social distancing at all times
- See a doctor and request for a Covid-19 swab test
- Stay at home, isolate oneself in a single room, and practise physical distancing from family members, especially the elderly
- Stop leaving the house, except if one needs to see a doctor or one is called for swabbing by the Divisional Health Office (DHO)
- Do not visit coffee shops, dine-in restaurants, or any gatherings anywhere — even for takeaway, one should get family or friends to help
- Do not send one’s children to childcare centre or school — inform the teacher
“We need everyone’s participation and contribution to help control Covid-19 infections. Together we can do it,” said Dr Chin.
