By Nancy Nais
BAU, Sept 17: Although Sarawak is ready to move to Covid-19 endemic phase, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has yet to decide on it.
Deputy Health Minister II Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said Sarawak’s vaccination rate is high, but there are several issues that needed to be considered before allowing the transition.
“Over the last few days, the number of positive cases reported in the State were very high although 99 percent of them are under Category 1 and 2, while less than one percent are in Category 3, 4 or 5.
“Looking at the situation, there should be no problem for Sarawak to move into endemic phase because Covid-19 can be treated like common flu. However, it is still under discussion,” Aaron told reporters after his working visit to Bau Hospital today.
Senior Assistant Director General (Medical Development) Dr Khairul Rizzuan Roslan also disclosed that Sarawak is currently taking some 6,800 Covid-19 swab samples per day.
Meanwhile, due to many ‘back log’ cases, Aaron added that the ministry is considering screening tests or swabs for only those with Covid-19 symptoms.
“With this, we can avoid delays in obtaining the results and not over exceeding the laboratory’s capacity.
“If these people who do not have any symptoms but are in close contact with positive individuals, we will probably instruct them to do quarantine at home instead of taking the swab test,” he said. — DayakDaily
