MIRI – Even simple family gatherings, such as a small birthday parties or a meal in a cafe, can spark Covid-19 clusters.
Sarawak Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said today that the state Health Department is now investigating two new infections confirmed yesterday by the state Disaster Management Committee.
The two new clusters are Indah Riang in the Kuching district and Bedayan in the Serian district.
“The initial findings is that the Indah Riang cluster started with a family gathering for a meal in a cafe in Simunjan town.
“Most of the family members are now down with Covid-19, and one of the cafe workers has also been infected.
“The Bedayan cluster emerged after a family of nine had a birthday party. Around that time, there was a funeral nearby, and some of those who were in the party also attended the funeral.
“Later, those at the birthday party tested positive for Covid-19 and other cases have emerged there as well.
“The health teams are trying to epidemiologically determine if the index case is from the birthday party or the nearby funeral,” said Dr Sim.
He said the state Health Department is urging those suffering mild symptoms after attending family gatherings to get tested immediately.
He added that those worried about exposure to the virus after visiting red zones, such as Sibu and Simunjan, should also get tested.
“Reduce going around your districts or even towns and cities. There must be no unnecessary family gatherings.
“Work from home, go shopping if necessary but only by yourself,” he said.
As of yesterday, Sarawak has 10 Covid-19 clusters, including the two new ones, and 33 deaths, 12 of them over the past week. – The Vibes, January 28, 2021
