KUCHING: Sarawak’s transition to the National Recovery Plan (PPN) Phase 2 is not a hasty decision but made after taking into account various factors set by the National Security Council (MKN).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Sarawak was moving from Phase 1 to Phase 2 following a steady decline in Covid-19 cases.
“This decision was made after taking into account the threshold values for the three PPN indicators where we have already been assessed and we are eligible,” he said at a press conference during his visit to the Bra’ang Bayur PPV (vaccination centre) here on Tuesday (July 13).
Uggah, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, added that entering Phase 2 was not a sign that Sarawak was safe from Covid-19.
“The people should remember that Covid-19 is still hovering over our community and we should always be vigilant and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Even though we have entered Phase 2, it is still a long journey as we have four phases.
“We can only return to normal life once we have entered Phase 4.”
For the transition to Phase 2, the average daily cases of Covid-19 should be below 4,000, and that the public health system is no longer at a critical stage, including beds used in the ICU recovering to moderate levels, and 10 per cent of the population have been fully vaccinated.
Also present at the press conference were Assistant Transport Minister and Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy State Secretary Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Kuching health officer Dr Eunice Melissa Joseph and Bra’ang Bayur PPV officer in charge Dr Arvin Thiagarajah.
