SIBU, May 5: Residents here are urged not to speculate on a new Covid-19 positive case which caused the town to be turned from green zone to yellow zone.
The State Disaster Management Committee had on May 3 in its daily briefing announced the new case. As a result of it, the number of positive cases rose from five to six within three weeks, turning Sibu from a green to yellow zone.
Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) deputy chairman Councillor Robert Lau Hui Yew said following news reports on the matter, there had been much speculation on the source of transmission as people feared for their well-being.
Lau confirmed that the person was a local Sibu man, but that he was not a student from Mukah polytechnic as viralled on social media.
“What is true is the person was tested positive in Kuching two days ago and but was tested negative in Sibu hospital two weeks earlier. What is true is that he has an underlying health issue (not Covid-19) and was a patient in Sibu hospital. He was later referred to Kuching SGH for further treatment of that underlying illness. He went to Kuching and was admitted to SGH a week ago,” said Lau.
He added that as it was uncertain where the patient got infected with the disease -whether it was in Sibu or in Kuching, he was however certain that the authorities concerned had the details and have taken all steps to trace his contacts over the last 14 days.
“I have received a call this morning saying if the case is picked up in Kuching then it should not be a Sibu case thus keeping Sibu in the green zone. I asked whether it matters whether it’s green or yellow? It does matter to some as it gives certain comfort, I suppose. To me I think it matters not if there is no practical benefit for being in the green zone except the good feeling psychologically,” he pointed out.
But the counter-argument, he asserted is that the information must be accurate so that the public can trust and have faith in the public information.
He said instead of continuing to make speculation on the latest case, he said what is more important now was for the people to adjust to life in the new normal by practising social distancing, wearing of masks, regulate hand washing and avoiding all public gatherings. —DayakDaily
