By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, April 21: Could there be new Covid-19 clusters in Kuching and Siburan?
According to State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) advisor Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, the State Health Department will announce a new Covid-19 cluster in Siburan soon.
In a Facebook post last night, Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Local Government and Housing said there could a new cluster in Kuching dubbed Cluster SWAG which infected 35 people arising from an anniversary celebration which did not comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“We must (be) on high alert for Kuching. Quite a few clusters though in Serian District actually from Siburan, closer to Kuching than Serian. A new cluster from Siburan which the Health Department should be announced soon.
“Kuching: 88 cases (yesterday) from Cluster Bako (17), Cluster Pulapol (22), Cluster SWAG (yet to be announced) – 35 (Anniversary, no SOP, continued to Bistro @ Jln Song). Need investigation and subject to the law.
“The rest scattered in distribution such as in BDC, Tabuan and Petra Jaya,” he added.
As for two new clusters announced yesterday, Dr Sim explained the Kampung Tengah Cluster in Betong was caused by failure to control interdistrict travelling from Kuching to Betong while the Sungai Rian Cluster involved a longhouse in Meradong with 48 positive cases.
Hence, he believed Sarawak needs circuit breakers to prevent hospitals and clinics in the state from being overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients.
“Our medical frontliners had been on their job for more than one year with many of them exhausted and burnt out. They truly appreciate your spiritual and moral support,” he added.
The third new cluster announced yesterday was the Pasar Ikan Sebiew Cluster in Bintulu. — DayakDaily
