By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, July 21: The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has not decided to make it compulsory for everyone to use face masks.
Its chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said during the committee’s lengthy discussion over the matter, they acknowledged and agreed that wearing face masks is necessary especially in crowded areas such as markets, supermarkets, shops or eateries.
“However, due to Sarawak’s situation especially in rural areas where there are not much population, we have not decided to make it compulsory to wear.
“However, we strongly advise everyone to always wear face masks especially when they are out at public places,” Uggah said in a press conference here today.
On another note, Uggah who is also the Deputy Chief Minister added that business premises have the right to stop people who do not wear face masks from entering.
“They have the right to do so, because they are taking the precaution,” Uggah pointed out.
As an example, he cited his recent visit to a bakery where the premises refuse entry to those who did not wear face masks.
Meanwhile, Uggah revealed that workers at a total of 53 construction sites were identified in Miri to undergo Covid-19 tests.
“A total of 602 samples were taken for RT-PCR tests; 425 were local workers and 177 were foreign workers with valid permits from Indonesia, Philippines and Bangladesh.
“Of the total rT-PCR tests conducted, 596 local workers and 177 foreigners tested negative, while the remaining six samples from local workers are still pending laboratory results.” — DayakDaily
