By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 25: Recent preliminary studies suggest that the Covid-19 Omicron variant appears to be less severe than the Delta variant.
While this qualifies as good news, former Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) advisor Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian however remains worried due to the fact that Omicron spreads much faster than Delta and is better at evading vaccines.
“A sudden surge in positive cases could still overwhelm our hospitals and healthcare systems and stress our doctors and nurses.
“(It is) Inevitable (for Omicron to reach Sarawak) because of the opening up of our borders as part of living with the virus.
“But (it is) unwelcome to have arrived earlier than expected. (I) was hoping (it could be) delayed for a few more weeks until new vaccines are available in 2022,” he said in a post on social media today.
Sarawak has reported four Omicron cases with two cases each in Kuching and Bintulu as of yesterday (Dec 24). Three, except one, of the cases were imported involving individuals who have returned to the State from the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Health authorities have thus raised the alarm of a possible community transmission after one local case was detected in a woman from Kuching who had no history of travel.
According to researchers looking at real-world coronavirus cases in Britain, they reported on Dec 22 that Omicron produces a mild illness, with those infected less likely to be admitted to hospital.
Data out of South Africa, where the variant was first detected, has also suggested Omicron might be milder there. But scientists have not been sure whether this finding would hold elsewhere.
Dr Sim emphasised that panic will not help and what is really crucial is for everyone to stay extremely vigilant and take their health and safety very seriously.
“Scale back on social events. Christmas and New Year holidays visiting only strictly for immediate families.
“Protect your families and friends by keeping a safe distance from others, open windows, wear a mask, cover up when sneezing and coughing and clean hands frequently,” he reminded.
He also urged people to get their booster shots against Covid-19 when their appointment schedule is up as well as continue to observe one’s health, run self-tests periodically and self-isolate if necessary.
“Will continue to help SDMC and team as a private medical specialist informally until all the Cabinet YB (ministers) have been sworn in in due course. Together, we shall overcome Covid-19,” he added. — DayakDaily
