MIRI – It’s full house at the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) at all major hospitals in Sarawak, making it a challenge for the state to cope with any spike in Covid-19 cases.
With the state recording two new deaths and 649 new infections, state Health Department director Dr Chin Zin Hing is on the brink of pressing the panic button.
“All our ICU wards at major government hospitals in Kuching, Sibu, Sarikei, Bintulu and Miri are operating at full capacity,” he said in a press statement today.
“We appeal to all to help reduce the infections now, we cannot cope with further serious increases.”
The two Covid-19 deaths today involved a woman in Sibu Hospital and a man in Kapit Hospital, bringing the fatality toll to 209.
Sibu district recorded the highest number of new cases (120), followed by Bintulu (82), Miri (79), Selangau (65), Pakan (51), Kuching (49), Kapit (36), Kanowit (28), and other districts (below 20 cases each).
Two more community clusters have emerged today, bringing the total number of clusters in the state to 78.
The Ulu Anap Cluster in Tatau district saw 19 longhouse inhabitants infected with the coronavirus, while the Emperau Cluster in Selangau saw 97 people at three longhouses getting infected.
The police and local councils have stepped up enforcement and issued compounds to those found flouting enhanced standard operating procedures (SOPs) at various districts.
The secretariat said SOPs during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri have also been tightened.
Visits by family members can only be done on the first day of Raya, as compared to three days prior to this. – The Vibes, May 10, 2021