MIRI – State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas has issued a stern warning to the people of Sarawak – obey Covid-19 standard operating procedures or face the deadly consequences of the pandemic.
The state recorded three new deaths today, bringing the fatality toll to 120 and 555 new infections.
Uggah, who is also deputy chief minister, blamed the worsening scenario on those who continue to defy the SOPs.
“We have 555 new Covid-19 cases today with three more confirmed deaths. Sarawakians must be warned.
“This worsening situation happens because they refuse to obey SOPs that are in place. If they continue like this, it will get even worse,” he said at a press conference in Kuching.
The three deaths involved a 68-year-old woman at Bintulu Hospital, a 43-year-old Filipino man working in Sebauh near Miri, and a 42-year-old man at Sibu Hospital.
Uggah said the committee had tightened most of the SOPs.
“Every longhouse chief and community leader must seek permission from the district officer before holding any social activity at their areas, including funerals.
“This directive also applies to districts with few or no Covid-19 cases.
“There are only five districts left in Sarawak with no Covid-19 infections over the past 14 days.
“The rest (35 other districts) recorded cases,” he said.
Uggah said the SOPs for gatherings at mosques during the coming Ramadan month are also being tightened.
“We are working with the Majlis Islam on these SOPs now,” he said.
The 555 new cases today saw Sibu district recording 115, Bintulu 112, Miri 70, Kapit 61, Meradong 57, Mukah 46, Kuching 29, Sarikei 12, and numerous other districts under 10.
A new cluster at Jln Sungai Meguan in Meradong district saw new cases at a residential estate.
There are now 45 active clusters statewide.
Last week, all social activities in high-risk zones were totally banned.
Funerals can only proceed with permits from the district office. – The Vibes, April 9, 2021
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