KUCHING, Dec 16: Sarawak has witnessed a staggering 171 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases, with 310 reported cases during Epidemiological Week (EW) 49, spanning from Dec 3 to 9.
Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian also expressed deep concern about the escalating trend in hospital admissions for Covid-19 since early November 2023.
“In Epid Week 49, out of 39 admissions, 25 patients (64.1 per cent) admitted to the hospitals were (in the severe or critical) Category 3, 4 and 5, in contrast to the previous week which saw six cases over 13 admissions (46.2 per cent),” he shared in his social media post yesterday (Dec 15).
Despite the country, including Sarawak, currently being in the endemic phase, the Deputy Premier pointed out that although symptoms may be milder due to vaccinations, the virus’s infectivity remains high.
“Even with four doses of Covid-19 vaccinations, the ongoing surge could still result in the loss of loved ones,” he warned.
In response to the situation, Dr Sim urged the people of Sarawak to adopt precautionary measures similar to what has been done during the height of the pandemic such as using face masks, particularly in crowded and enclosed spaces, maintaining rigorous personal hygiene, and adhering to the TRISS protocol (Test, Report, Isolate, Inform, and Seek) if symptomatic.
Stressing collective responsibility, he called on Sarawakians to revisit the successful practices implemented from 2020 to 2022, which contributed to the region having the lowest number of cases and deaths in Malaysia.
“It’s for each one of us to play our roles and do our parts again” he encouraged.
Dr Sim also acknowledged Sarawak Health Department for its continuous monitoring of the trends and efforts to enhance the preparedness of all public healthcare facilities in anticipation of any further surge in Covid-19 cases. – DayakDaily
