KUCHING: The recent surge in Covid-19 cases in Sarawak is due to numerous factors, including gatherings, says Health Department director Datuk Dr Mohamed Sapian Mohamed.
He explained that these activities included birthday or farewell celebrations, funerals and tahlil ceremonies, group sports activities, physical meetings as well as workplace infections that did not comply with standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines.
“Many people are seen hanging out in public places and chatting in restaurants without wearing face masks, and there are still companies that refuse to let their staff undergo screening or work from home when they have symptoms until clusters emerge in the workplace.”
He emphasised that the government allowed the reopening of business sectors and workplace manpower increase to revive the economy of the nation.
“However, this does not mean that we have won the fight against Covid-19.
“Everyone still needs to adhere to SOP and always wear a face mask when in public, practice physical distancing and maintain high personal hygiene standards,” he said on Thursday (Aug 12).
Dr Sapian also encouraged everyone to stay at home if there are no pressing matters to attend to and to avoid visiting for any reason.
“Do not pay unplanned visits to people, and do not bring children or anyone who have not been immunised to busy and congested public places.”
He added that for now, people were reminded to avoid gatherings for any social activities, functions, or celebrations.
Individuals who have completed the vaccine doses must still wear face masks and practice social distancing and comply with SOP.
He advised those with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing or experiencing lethargy, body aches, diarrhoea, or vomiting without an identifiable cause to go for screening and seek treatment at the nearest health facility as soon as possible.
At the same time, he reminded Sarawakians not to be complacent.
