Don’t be lax with SOPs to keep Covid-19 cases low in Sibu, advises Dr Annuar

Dr Annuar Rapaee advising the people to continue adhering to the SOPs during his livestream today.

SIBU, Feb 16: Residents here have been warned that Covid-19 cases might be on the uptick in the next two to three weeks if they violate the standard operating procedures (SOP).

Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (SDDMC) coordinator, Dr Annuar Rapaee said this via Facebook livestream today that he based this assumption on the current Covid-19 situation in the State.

“Based on the current upward trend and the presence of the more infectious Omicron variant, if we don’t follow the SOPs, the cases might increase in the next two to three weeks,” he said.

He advised the people to mask up when at public places, wash their hands regularly and to choose open-air eateries or eateries with good ventilation when eating out.

The Nangka assemblyman said though the Omicron variant does not pose a serious health threat if compared to the Delta variant, the people should not take it as an excuse not to abide by the SOPs.

“It does not means that the Omicron variant is less dangerous as the elderly and those with comorbidities have a higher risk of being at risk if infected,” he said, adding that the people need to be more cautious as the State infectivity rate now stands at an R-naught value of 1.56.

A total of 73 Covid-19 cases were reported in Sibu today.

Most of the cases of 10 each were reported in Pedada and Permai areas.

Six of the cases were imported one from other towns and cities.

Dr Annuar said two deaths were reported so far this year which were in January.

“The number of deaths was highest in October last year (101). We have two deaths in January and none so far for this month,” he said.

He also advised those who are found positive to contact CAC (Covid Assessment Centre) Hostel Desa Sanyan at telephone number 019-7074391 and 019-7174365 to get the advice first on whether they should be admitted to the quarantine centre. — DayakDaily