MIRI – Sarawak today recorded two new Covid-19 deaths and 199 fresh infections, said state Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Dougglas Uggah Ebbas.
He also accused Indonesians trying to enter the state of bringing the virus with them, saying that border security must be stepped up.
“We found more cases of infected Indonesians, even in Kapit. Some of them are trying to enter Miri illegally, some 500km away.
“They stand to increase the virus spread if we do not stop them from entering the state.”
Speaking at a media conference in Kuching, he said the Covid-19 death rate and new infections continue to soar.
Two more fatalities were reported in Sibu Hospital due to Covid-19. The victims are a 59-year-old man and an 83-year-old woman.
This brings the death toll from the virus in the state to 69.
There are now 24 active Covid-19 clusters statewide, with a new Jalan Green cluster in Kuching and Kejatan cluster in Sri Aman.
Sibu district recorded 126 new cases today, followed by Kapit (15), Sri Aman (13), Bintulu (13), Kuching (7), Miri (6) and one or two cases in other districts.
The Sibu Hospital is currently treating 1,136 Covid-19 patients, followed by Miri Hospital with 309 cases, Kapit Hospital (198), Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching (171), Bintulu Hospital (160), Sarikei Hospital (55), and one each in Limbang, Sri Aman and Lawas hospitals.
“The manner of the Covid-19 dispersion shows that the virus is widespread within the community in Sibu," he said.
He urged those with symptoms like mild cough or sore throat to immediately get tested for Covid-19. – The Vibes, February 19, 2021