By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 16: Any government agencies and private companies intending to issue press statements related to Covid-19 in Sarawak must refer to the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) beforehand.
SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas emphasised that this is to avoid any confusion as well as causing unnecessary panic, fear and anxiety among the public.
“If the facts are not verified and news based on rumours, it can really lead to a lot of confusion. It happened today as well as the last few days,” he told a press conference on Covid-19 here today.
On messages circulated in social media alleging that certain individuals returning from overseas did not have to undergo quarantine for whatever reason, the Deputy Chief Minister clarified that the news was untrue.
“Our (Sarawak)’s standard operating procedures (SOP) for Sarawakians returning from overseas and transiting in KL is that they will undergo RTK test or random PCR test.
“Upon arrival in Sarawak, they will be sent to a hotel for quarantine where PCR test will be done on the second day. Only when the result is negative will they be allowed to return home to complete the rest of the quarantine,” he said.
Uggah thus reminded individuals undergoing home quarantine to always comply with SOP and observe the health and safety guidelines of the State Health Department.
“Stay at home throughout the quarantine period, limit visitors or guests to home, keep record of visitors to be provided to the State Health Department when needed, and practice social distancing, among others,” he said.
Other measures to observe include wearing face masks when needed, close mouth when coughing, avoid crowded areas if needed to go out, avoid taking public transport unless needed, avoid sharing utensils and ensure good ventilation at home.-DayakDaily
