By Karen Bong
SIMANGGANG, Sept 11: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is suggesting that members of the public adopt the habit of testing for Covid-19 regularly at home with rapid antigen self-test kits.
Even though mass testing will still be continued statewide, he however strongly encouraged people to self-test at home to be more aware of their health status and the need to report to the health authorities and self-isolate if necessary, which will help limit the spread of Covid-19 in the community.
“KPDNHEP (Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs) has fixed the ceiling price (of rapid antigen self-test kits) at RM19.90.
“But the Ministry of Finance had mentioned yesterday that they will reduce the price further in the near future. That means, (it is easier) to do your test for Covid-19 at home,” he told a press conference after visiting the Civic Centre vaccination centre (PPV) and Sri Aman waterfront today.
Regular self-testing at home will become a critical part of the government’s efforts to find positive cases in people with no symptoms, but who are still infectious.
With this, it can strengthen the government’s prevention efforts, reduce viral transmission rates in communities and break the chain of infection.
State Health director Datuk Dr Mohamed Sapian Mohamed, who was also present at the event, added that as most positive cases detected in Sarawak were under Category 1 and 2 who are without or mild symptoms, there may be advised to quarantine at home.
“We have medical teams who will monitor and assess their conditions online.
“We will respond immediately if their condition worsens,” he explained.
Approved self-test kits are now widely available at major pharmacies and retailers and KPDNHEP has also ramped up on surveillance to ensure compliance with the price control order for the sales of self-test kits and sufficient supply nationwide.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Minister for Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian were among those present. — DayakDaily
