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MIRI – The number of Omicron infections in Sarawak is higher than officially published as many of the infected are not reporting their cases to the health authorities, according to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said many who got infected by Omicron have gone for their own medical treatment or simply isolated themselves.
This has caused under-reporting at the official level, he added.
“The number of infected people is much higher than published and the figures are expected to see a sharp rise in the coming weeks.
“There are many who are seeking their own treatment and isolating themselves after infection.
“They think that since the Omicron infections cause milder symptoms, they need not be hospitalised.
“However, for those with ill health and the elderly whose organs are already functioning at low levels, the Omicron infections can cause serious complications,” he warned.
Speaking during a recycling event held in Batu Kawah in Kuching city today, he said those who are infected should report themselves to the nearest hospital or clinic.
He cautioned that all preventive measures like wearing face masks, physical distancing and personal hygiene must still be observed strictly.
Yesterday, another death was recorded involving a 25-year-old woman in Kuching who was brought in dead at the Sarawak General Hospital from her house.
The state Disaster Management Committee said the woman had heart problems and her death was confirmed to have been due to Covid-19.
Yesterday, there were 460 new infections statewide of which nine were serious cases. Kuching recorded 177, followed by Miri (97), Sibu (88), and numerous other districts with a few dozen cases each.
This is the first time in about two months that the daily infections were recorded beyond 400 cases.
An outbreak of Covid-19 among pupils had also resulted in a cluster taking shape in a school at Lorong Siol Kandis in Kuching.
The committee said nine pupils in the school have been found positive so far.
“The index case was traced to a family in Kg Pinang Jawa. The infections, believed to have started on February 15, have spread from the family to other students,” the secretariat said.
Active tracing is being conducted among students, while the infected ones have been sent to hospital.
Sarawak has three active clusters of infections. – The Vibes, February 26, 2022