KUCHING, Sept 9: Sarawak recorded one new Covid-19 case today, breaking its nine-day streak of zero new cases.
This brings the total tally of confirmed cases in Sarawak to 700.
State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas revealed that the latest case involved a person from Singapore.
“The case was under quarantine in Sibu and tested positive today. So we have one positive case but this is an import case. So far we have no local positive case.
“I appeal to all Sarawakians that the public must do their part. Although our curve looks flat, do not be too complacent. Follow the social distancing and standard operating procedures (SOP), wear your mask at all times and make sure it covers your nose. Keep yourself clean as well,” he briefly told reporters after attending the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Sarawak (Manred) integrity day event here this morning.
Uggah added that although Sarawak have been very disciplined so far, the state has not yet won the war against Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Uggah clarified that although the state wishes to give some ‘relaxation’ by allowing Indonesian workers such as maids to enter the state, they will continue to follow the earlier SOP.
SDMC has appealed to the federal government to allow certain categories of Indonesian workers to be enter Sarawak.
“We will continue to follow the previous SOP whereby all foreigners entering the Sarawak must undergo compulsory 14-day quarantines before being released to the employers. Employers must also provide transport from the border to the quarantine centre. The cost of transport, quarantine and swab test will be borne by the employer. If given the approval, we will follow this SOP,” Uggah gave assurance.
He eleborated that previously, when the state closed all its borders, people started crossing the border illegally.
“When this happens, we cannot control the people nor the disease. We cannot quarantine these immigrants because they will go into hiding. So we have to be flexible a little bit,” he stressed.
Uggah added that SDMC is still waiting for Putrajaya’s response and hoped to receive some news later today. — DayakDaily
