KUCHING, Aug 1: Sarawak is getting closer to achieving full Covid-19 immunisation coverage, with 86.7 per cent of the eligible adult population getting their first dose and 66.6 per cent their second dose as of July 31, 2021.
State Health director Datuk Dr Mohamed Sapian Mohamed said it is expected that more than 70 per cent of Sarawak’s population will receive two doses by the end of Aug 2021.
“The increase in immunisation coverage has had a positive impact on the number of new cases detected and mortality rates from Covid-19 infection.
“Based on the report in July 2021, the average number of cases detected has decreased to 383 cases per day, compared to the previous average of 584 cases in June and 538 cases in May 2021.
“Although there was an increase in cases this week (from July 25 to July 31, 2021) which is 450 new cases a day but most of the cases detected are concentrated in several districts, especially in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions. This is due to targeted screening activities and contact screening to positive cases that have been implemented,” he said in a statement today.
Dr Mohamed Sapian also revealed that the number of Covid-19 cases requiring close monitoring and treatment in hospitals has decreased in line with the sharp increase in Covid-19 immunisation coverage in Sarawak since June 2021.
“[The] number of Category 4 cases (pneumonia and need oxygen assistance) and Category 5 (critical and in need of respiratory assistance) has decreased from an average of 268 cases per day in June 2021 to 150 cases per day in July 2021.
“The number of cases requiring critical care also decreased from an average of 83 cases a day in June 2021 to 45 cases a day in July.
“As of July 30, 2021, the number of deaths due to Covid-19 has decreased from 108 cases in June 2021 to 45 cases (July 2021),” he added.
Dr Mohamed Sapian also disclosed that all vaccination centres (PPVs) have implemented walk-in vaccination services. Therefore, the State Health Department calls on the eligible members of the public who have not yet received their first vaccine dose or have not received a vaccination appointment, to immediately contact the Resident Office, District or PPV or the nearest Health Clinic to obtain an appointment date or receive the Covid-19 jab on the spot.
He also reminded the public that they still need to wear face masks at all times, especially in public places such as restaurants or supermarkets, practise social distancing and comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) or regulations set by the government.
“If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulty or experience lethargy, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, etc, immediately seek screening and treatment at the nearest health facility even if the symptoms are mild and not severe. Ideally, people should stay seated at home if there are no important matters,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
