By Adrian Lim
BINTULU, Aug 23: The Bintulu District Disaster Management Committee (BDDMC) and Bintulu Health Department are planning to implement partial lockdowns in residential areas to curb the spread of Covid-19, says Bintulu MP Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
He noted the recent easing of certain restrictions has caused a surge of Covid-19 cases in Bintulu and partial lockdowns must be strictly implemented potentially with a longer period in view of the highly contagious Delta variant, to stem the spread of Covid-19 in Bintulu.
“I wish to disclose that the BDDMC, particularly the Health Department, is planning to implement partial lockdowns to respond to the pandemic data and trend of each housing and residential area.
“These must be strictly implemented to contain and eliminate outbreaks there and break the chain of transmission as soon as possible.
“All residents in the affected housing areas will be subjected to two reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests.
“Unlike in the past, the lockdown period could be made longer as the tests will be done on the second and 13th days.
“This is because the authorities must guard against the Delta variant of the virus, which has a longer incubation period.
“If more confirmed cases are detected from the 13th day’s test, the lockdown period may be extended,” he said in a statement today.
Tiong, who is also the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president noted Bintulu district recorded 97 Covid-19 cases yesterday with 39 in Bintulu and 58 in Tatau.
He expressed belief the sudden surge of the high cases in the district was a warning that there were coronavirus outbreaks in many places and the deadly illness is spreading widely in the community.
Meanwhile, following the easing of restrictions for certain businesses such as shopping malls and restaurants, Tiong said the operators need to manage the flow of people and avoid organising promotional activities which may lead to crowds and gatherings where physical distancing is hard to practise.
He opined that supermarkets, shopping malls and restaurants should refrain from holding special promotions that would entice more crowds.
He also reminded the public not to rush to shopping centres in response to promotional activities as it could increase the risk of contracting Covid-19.
“I want to remind the public that the key to containing the pandemic lies in personal self-discipline and strict compliance of the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Even after receiving the vaccine, everyone should refrain from going to any gathering.
“Always heed the SOPs (standard operating procedures) and do not disregard any measures that are meant to protect ourselves,” he added. — DayakDaily
