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MIRI – Sarawak cannot relax too many Covid-19 preventive measures as new infections and deaths in the state remain on the high side, said Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The state will still need to retain certain standard operating procedures (SOPs) even though most of them have been removed at federal level, following the Health Ministry’s removal of the mask mandate indoors, yesterday, he added.
“There are still people dying of Covid 19 here and the infections are still a threat especially among the vulnerable and high-risk groups.
“The public must remain on alert and wear their face masks,” Dr Sim said at a food fair event at the Miri City Council recreational park here last night.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will decide on a set of SOPs to be retained soon, he added.
It will be based on Sarawak’s needs, while also taking into account the federal health ministry’s decision to make masking indoors optional.
The SDMC on September 5 had announced that there had been six more Covid-19 deaths in the state over the past week. Four deaths were in Sibu district and two in Kuching.
As for new Covid-19 infections, 619 were reported statewide last week.
Kuching topped the list with 144 new cases, Miri reported 110 cases, Sibu (83), Bintulu (74) while many other districts had a few dozen cases each.
There were 23 hospitalisations of Covid-19 patients with infections in Categories 3 to 5.
This was the fourth week that Sarawak had reported high numbers of new Covid-19 infections.
The state is also seeing more influenza cases, with senior Miri City councillor Karambir Singh, who is also chairman of the Miri Hospital Visitors Board, warning of increasing risks of community-transmitted infections for both the flu and Covid-19.
He recently told The Vibes that the latest situation should be cause for alarm.
“Seasonal influenza (infection) is increasing among the community, even as we were informed of the BA.5 Omicron variant gaining speed in the state.
“Everyone coming to Miri Hospital must wear face masks. This is mandatory within the hospital building proper.
“We may have to make it mandatory, too, within the hospital compound outside of the buildings, such as the public car parks, canteens and outside waiting zones too,” he said.
State Health Director Dr Ooi Choo Huck had on August 28 called for those in vulnerable groups, those not yet fully boosted and those at risk of infections to get a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Those who are already vaccinated and who have had their first booster shot should also get a second booster, although it is not mandatory, he said. – The Vibes, September 8, 2022