By Adrian Lim
BINTULU, March 15: Three more venues to serve as novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) quarantine centres in the state have been identified.
State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas revealed that the new quarantine centres are the Kemuyang Youth Camp in Sibu, Similajau National Park in Bintulu and the Petronas Games Village in Miri.
He noted that in Kuching, the designated venue is at the Public Health College.
“We have to be prepared for any eventuality given the current situation where today 20 people had tested positive for Covid-19,” he told the media after visiting a quarantine centre in Bintulu.
Uggah was accompanied by Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, deputy state secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, state health department director Dr Chin Zin Hing and state security and enforcement unit director Datuk Dr Chai Khin Chung during his visit to check on the quarantine centres.
Uggah explained that the three new venues were suitable as they were located away from cities or town areas.
“We need them for mass quarantine purposes should the need arise.”
Uggah noted that persons-under-investigation (PUI) for showing symptoms of Covid-19 would be separated from others and family members and placed under quarantine because they were in close contact.
“We do not want a situation whereby those who are infact healthy become sick because they are put together with those who are sick.
“The quarantine centres are for those awaiting laboratory tests of their status,” he said.
Uggah added where needed and necessary, facilities including Internet connectivity at the venues would be improved.
He added Dr Sim too would be in the federal capital this week to discuss the outbreak at a national level meeting.
“He will be presenting our requirements as well,” Uggah said.
Meanwhile on the need to wear face masks, Dr Chin said there was no need for any healthy person to wear face masks daily as a means to protect themselves from contracting Covid-19.
Dr Chin was responding to a media query on a shortage of face masks in the market.
“There is no guarantee of protection from the face mask. The best option is to take care of your personal hygiene all the time.
“Wash your hands frequently with soap or hand sanitiser,” he advised.
In the meantime, Dr Chin said one needed to wear the said masks if they were taking care of the sick.
“Please by all means wear the mask if you are sick or going to crowded areas,” he advised.
Earlier in Bintulu, Uggah and his entourage checked on the state government-acquired thermo scanner utilised at the Bintulu Airport.
Uggah also checked on the traveller health declaration forms filled in by arrivals coming to the city today. — DayakDaily
