KUCHING: The Covid-19 chain of infections needs to be severed to prevent the emergence of more viral variants, advised Sarawak General Hospital infectious disease specialist Dr Chua Hock Hin.
He said the current situation differed from that of yesteryear due to the widespread transmission of the virus in the community now.
He said the people must accept the current situation and take initiatives to avoid being infected with the virus.
“We should adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs), avoid crowded places and if you are in a crowded place, always practise physical distancing of one metre apart from each other.
“If you are not from a family living together, it is better for you not to eat together if possible. This is because when you eat together, you have to remove the face mask and at that point, there is a possibility that the virus could spread to the individual eating with you if you are an asymptomatic carrier,” Dr Chua said.
He revealed that in the daily cases that were reported, it was found that there were still many inter-district movements for employment and personal reasons.
Dr Chua said the matter should be put to a stop for now as the action would increase the risk of transmission.
“If many are infected, the number of patients requiring hospital care for severe illnesses will increase.
“These severe cases will need oxygen assistance and about five to 10 percent of those infected will need treatment in an intensive care unit.
“Look at what is happening in Selangor and India,” he said while urging the public to play their part in curbing the spread of the virus.
He also urged individuals who experienced symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, loss of sense of smell and taste, shortness of breath, diarrhoea and other symptoms that had been mentioned to immediately undergo Covid-19 screening.
Dr Chua also advised the public to register for the Covid-19 immunisation programme.
“That’s one way for you to have immunity to fight this virus and prevent serious illness.
“Start by paying attention to your health. Act now before it’s too late,” he added.
