SIBU, March 13: The Sibu Health department has traced a group of more than 20 people from here who had attended the religious event at Seri Petaling Mosque in Kuala Lumpur.
They were all tested negative for Covid-19 (novel coronavirus).
“They were among the 500 Sarawakians who were in the mosque for the event from Feb 27 to March 1, where a participant from Brunei was confirmed to be affected by the Covid-19 sickness,” Sibu Health officer, Dr Teh Joh Hun, told reporters after officiating at the Oya Clinic community health awareness campaign here today.
He added the group had undergone investigation at Sibu Hospital and government clinics here on yesterday (March 12).
“We have directed them to do self-quarantine at their homes for 15 days,” he continued.
Dr Teh said the 15-days quarantine was still compulsory for the group, as the incubation period is 14 days. He also called on those who might be with the group to come forward for screening.
“These 20 plus people can be considered as Person under Investigation (PUI). Whoever is with them please come forward for screening as we might not know everybody,” he said.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, in his Facebook posting yesterday, said about 235 people from the state who attended the said event had either being quarantined or hospitalised for Covid-19 investigations.
He added that the state Health Department was still tracing for about 200 Sarawakians. They are requested to come forward for screening at the nearest clinics.
On a separate note, Dr Teh, when delivering his speech at the event, reminded on the important role that advisory panel of government clinics could play, as the bridge between the government and the community.
“The advisory panel of clinics was formed by the health ministry 25 years ago. They are the bridge between the government and the community as they help to disseminate information relating to health matters and also organise activities such as health awareness programme,” he said.
He added that the functions of the panel is similar to the visitors board of government hospitals. — DayakDaily
