MIRI – Two more Sarawakians died from Covid-19 today amidst a slew of infections which soared to a new daily record high of 229 cases.
Sarawak disaster management committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas warned the people of Sarawak that the pandemic is soaring in the state.
“It is with sadness that I have to announce that there are two new Covid-19 deaths confirmed today, one each in Miri and Sibu.
“The number of new positive infections surged today to 229,” he said in a press conference at his office in Kuching today.
Uggah said the latest deaths brought the total tally to 24 people who have died due to the pandemic in this state so far.
The latest death from Covid-19 in Miri Hospital was a 48-year old man who died late yesterday.
He was admitted on January 19 and his death was confirmed today to be due to Covid-19 even though he suffered from chronic kidney problems, said Uggah.
The death at Sibu Hospital meanwhile happened today involving a 66-year old man, and was confirmed to be caused by Covid-19, he said.
Out of the 229 new cases today, 168 are in Sibu district, 28 in Miri, nine in Kuching, seven each in Kanowit, Sri Aman, and Lubok Antu; two in Subis and one in Bintul.
With the latest new cases, Sibu Hospital has 999 Covid-19 positive patients, Miri Hospital has 238, Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching has 133, Bintulu Hospital has 71, and Limbang Hospital has one.
Uggah said the state has drawn up tighter standard operating procedures to limit funeral crowds to only 50 family members in the longhouse, while only 30 family members are allowed fort funeral rites at the cemetery.
He said tough times such as now require very strict safety measures.
He appealed to all in Sarawak to comply with all SOPs if they want to see any improvement in the pandemic here in the near future. – The Vibes, January 22, 2021
