By Ling Hui
KUCHING, April 18: The novel coronavirus appears to be surging with a vengeance as 29 districts in Sarawak reported a total of 508 new cases and one fatality today.
According to reports by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) today, Bintulu (118 cases) and Sibu (107), led the increases reported.
Other districts reporting new cases were Miri (67), Kuching (44), Selangau (33), Kanowit (25), Sarikei (18), Subis (17), Kapit (13), Sebauh (11), Belaga (7), Serian (6), Mukah (6), Meradong (6), Song (4), Pakan (3), Kabong (3), Beluru (3), Marudi (2), Sri Aman (2), Julau (2), Samarahan (2), Tatau (2), Bukit Mabong (2), Matu (1), Pusa (1), Asajaya (1), Betong (1) and Limbang (1).
With this, the cumulative number of positive cases in Sarawak now stands at 23,940.
Out of the 508 cases reported today, 329 were detected following close contact screenings where 18 of them were symptomatic, while 79 cases were from other screenings in health facilities, and 56 cases were individual screenings from existing active clusters where one case showed signs and symptoms of Covid-19 infection.
Adding on, there were 39 cases that were detected via symptomatic tests in health facilities and five Import-B cases who came back from other states in Malaysia.
The sole fatality of the day is a 58-year-old Sarawakian in Sibu who experienced coughing several days before taking a Covid-19 rapid test antigen test.
He passed away on April 16 after his condition deteriorated. He had a medical history of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, chronic liver disease and gout.
There were 295 patient recoveries reported throughout Sarawak, with 5,364 patients still receiving treatment in various hospitals across the State. — DayakDaily
