By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 27: The new Omicron (B.1.1.529) Covid-19 variant has not been detected in Sarawak to date, assures the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
In the meantime, the committee said that Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Clinical Research Centre (CRC) Sibu laboratories will continue to conduct genomic surveillance in Sarawak as a measure for new-variant early detection among local communities.
Taking seriously the emergence of the new variant of concern (VOC) in South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong, SDMC expressed support for the tightening of borders and control measures by the Ministry of Health (KKM).
The committee also urged Sarawak citizens not to panic with the new-variant notification as the preventive measures against Covid-19, including Omicron, remain the same such as wearing face masks, observing physical distancing, maintaining personal hygiene, and getting vaccinated.
“In this regard, SDMC calls on all Sarawakians not to be complacent with the Covid-19 situation in Sarawak which is improving, but remain vigilant and comply with the existing SOPs (standard operating procedures).
“Get your vaccinations and booster doses if eligible, so that we are all protected from Covid-19 infection and its complications,” it said in a statement on its daily Covid-19 update today.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had yesterday announced a travel ban, preventing Malaysians from visiting South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, which takes effect from today until further notice.
All foreigners with travel history to the mentioned countries within the last 14 days will also be temporarily banned from entering Malaysia while Malaysian citizens and permanent residents returning from those countries will need to undergo compulsory quarantine. — DayakDaily
