MIRI – Meradong assemblyman is appealing for swift containment measures after 35 more SMK Meradong students tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total infections at the school to 57.
Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing also appealed for calm as parents are getting very worried for their children’s health and safety at the school hostel.
“I appeal to all parents and residents, do not panic and stay calm. The health authorities are trying to contain the infections in the school and the town.
“Meradong has also been declared a Covid-19 red zone district,” he said in his social media updates to community groups today.
The Sg Bakong cluster includes school students and more cases are expected today as another 491 await their test results.
Ding said the virus was spreading quickly in and around the school due to the Bintang Daily cluster in nearby Meradong town, which has about 40 infections so far.
“I urge all business operations in Meradong district to close immediately for now.
“It is important for all residents to stay away from public places. Please stay at home.”
The SMK Meradong cases were first detected Monday at hostels housing Form 6 students, with infected students being sent to Sarikei Hospital for treatment.
State Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian had earlier said the infections at SMK Meradong could have originated from a school staffer who travelled to Sibu district, a Covid-19 red zone.
“The cluster affecting the students was detected after a student staying at the hostels reported loss of smell.
“As the school is isolated, it is likely that the infection source came from said staffer.
Meradong district is about 100km from Sibu town. Police, army and Rela units have set up roadblocks in Meradong town and the school.
Sibu district has recorded a total of 42 deaths and nearly 4,000 Covid-19 cases so far. – The Vibes, February 24, 2021
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