By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Jan 13: It is one’s individual responsibility to protect themselves against Covid-19 during the coming Chinese New Year celebration, says Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian.
According to Dr Sim, it is part of living with the virus during the endemic stage of the pandemic.
“In the last two years, it was the government that protected you and that is why there were a lot of restrictions.
“Now, we because we are living with the virus, the number one responsibility is that we must look after ourselves,” said Dr Sim during a press conference held after the launch of the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s (Bomba) fire safety campaign for Chinese New Year here today.
Dr Sim was responding to a question if the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) would tighten the standard operating procedures for the Chinese New Year celebration in conjunction with the arrival of Chinese tourists into the country.
Apart from that, Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, said hand hygiene should also continue to be practiced, including wearing of face masks.
“If you care about yourselves, if you are worried about it, if your immunity is low, protect yourself and wear a mask. If you have fever, go for a test and if positive, self isolate,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bomba Sarawak director Datu Khirudin Drahman said they will increase the frequency of Bomba night patrols in residential areas throughout the State.
He also said it will be implemented three days before and after the Chinese New Year celebration from 12am until early morning to enable them to respond quickly when receiving a call. — DayakDaily
