MIRI – At least 22 students of SMK Meradong in Sarawak’s Meradong district have tested positive for Covid-19, according to on-site health teams.
They said 534 others are awaiting their results after being tested today.
The infected students have been sent to Sarikei Hospital following the detection of the new Sg Bakong cluster.
The health teams have cordoned off the school to prevent the disease from spreading.
Students at the school hostels are being given medical attention and provided food.
State Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the cases at SMK Meradong may have been sparked by a school staffer who recently travelled to Sibu district.
“The cluster affecting the students was detected after a student staying at the hostel reported losing the ability to smell.
“This school is like a ‘bubble’, as it has been isolated.
“Thus, the likely source of infection is the staffer, who has admitted to travelling to Sibu recently.”
Meradong town is located some 100km from Sibu, with the district having recorded 40 coronavirus deaths and nearly 4,000 infections out of Sarawak’s 74 fatalities and 7,900 cases. – The Vibes, February 23, 2021
