By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, May 24: The number of Covid-19 cases detected in Kuching is expected to remain high in the near term.
Minister for Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian believed that this will be due to mass screening and the possible spread of the South African variant in the city.
“Expect numbers in Kuching (to) remain high because of mass screening at Kuching Covid-19 One Stop Centre (COSC) MBKS, day 7-14 post festivals, probably spread of South African variants in Kuching, shopping centre, wet market and so forth.
“Most importantly is to “detect” as many cases in Kuching-Samarahan-Serian as possible even if there are no symptoms (can still transmit Covid-19).
“Let’s not have “low” numbers because we do not aggressively test and later on, ended up so many symptomatic and overnight, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is full, mortuary is full,” he said in a Facebook post last night.
Dr Sim who is also the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) advisor noted that there were 156 new Covid-19 cases registered in Kuching Zone yesterday, which encompasses Kuching, Samarahan and Serian.
Kuching reported 105 cases comprising close contacts of existing Covid-19 cases, while Samarahan registered 22 cases and Serian had 29 cases.
Thus, Dr Sim hoped that the State Health Department will take the necessary legal action against those who breached standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the prevention of Covid-19.
He expressed belief that by reprimanding those who violate SOPs, it will increase awareness, save lives and prevent more Covid-19 cases from happening.
Dr Sim stressed that the number one priority at this critical stage of the Covid-19 pandemic in Sarawak is to keep everyone alive. — DayakDaily
