SDMC: 2 deaths, 512 new Covid-19 cases in Sarawak today

KUCHING, April 15: Sarawak recorded a total of 512 new Covid-19 positive cases today, with two fatalities reported in Sibu and Miri.

State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Bintulu reported the highest number of cases as of today with 120 cases, followed by Sibu (99), Subis (80), Kuching (56), Miri (31), Kapit (30), Meradong (29), Serian (22), Kanowit (10), Samarahan (9), Sarikei (7), Bukit Mabong (6), Limbang (3), Kabong (2), Asajaya (1), Bau (1), Belaga (1), Beluru (1), Julau (1), Saratok (1), Song (1) dan Sri Aman (1).

“This brings the total number of positive cases to 21,960 cases,” said Uggah during the daily press conference on Covid-19 updates in Sarawak held at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building in Petra Jaya, today.

Uggah noted of the 512 new cases reported, a total of 61 individuals have shown signs and were experiencing Covid-19 symptoms when screening tests were conducted.

He said a total of 425 cases detected involved individuals who were given quarantine orders at quarantine centers, whereby 420 of the individuals consist of those who have been identified as close contacts to positive Covid-19 cases, including five individuals returning from high risk area.

“A total of 297 cases involved screened individuals who had close contact with a positive Covid-19 cases (33 symptomatic), 123 cases from screened individuals in active clusters (asymptomatic), 60 cases from tests conducted in healthcare facilities throughout the state (one symptomatic cases), 27 cases from symptomatic individuals in healthcare facilities, and five cases involving individuals returning from other states in Malaysia (Import B case and asymptomatic),” he added.

Meanwhile, Uggah revealed that the 134th fatality was case 16,167, involving a 61-year old man from Sibu who was admitted to Sibu Hospital due to fever, coughing and requiring respiratory assistance.

“The rt-PCR test conducted showed that the individuals tested positive for Covid-19 on March 29, 2021. His health deteriorated before he passed away on April 14, 2021. The case also has high blood pressure and tuberculosis.

“The 135th fatality was case 18,273, involving a 71-year old man from Miri who was admitted to Miri Hospital for coughing and breathing difficulties. He tested positive for the virus on April 6, 2021, where his condition deteriorated before he passed away on April 15, 2021. He also had high blood pressure. SDMC extends its deepest condolences to all family members of the victims,” he said.

On another note, Uggah said a total of 409 positive Covid-19 cases have recovered and were discharged from the Low-Risk Quarantine and Treatment Centres in the state (PKRC) as of today, namely from Sibu Hospital (207), Miri Hospital (57) Sarikei (45), Sarawak General Hospital (38), Bintulu Hospital (25), Kapit Hospital (13), Sri Aman Hospital (7), PKRC Betong (five), PKRC Mukah (four), PKRC Serian (four), Limbang Hospital (three) and PKRC Semuja (one).

“This brings the total number of recovered and discharged Covid-19 cases recorded in the state to 17,288 cases (78.72 per cent), and currently a total of 4,472 individuals are being isolated in the PKRC and hospitals ward,” he said. — DayakDaily