MIRI – Sarawak has detected a Covid-19 case carrying the B.1.525 variant – also known as the Nigerian variant, or Eta, after the latest name change – following a recent genomic analysis.
However, state Disaster Management Committee adviser Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian has yet to disclose from which district the case originated, pending further probe.
Dr Sim, in his social media chats, said including the latest B.1.525 case, there are at least three foreign variants detected in the state.
The genomic analysis was carried out by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and Sarawak Covid-19 Vaccine Advisory Group.
“We, in Sarawak, need to vaccinate as many people as possible and as fast as possible.
“We need to get this done to prevent even more Covid-19 mutations and new variants emerging in our state. We need herd immunity, and we must attain it urgently.”
Sarawak has seven cases of the B.1.351 variant and 12 of the P.3 variant.
The P.3 variant was first discovered in the Philippines, but underwent double mutations.
“One of the reasons why Sarawak insisted on a 14-day mandatory quarantine upon entry into the state, and not 10 days, is because being vaccinated does not mean total immunity.
“Despite inconveniences, heartaches and hardships, mandatory quarantine is needed to prevent more variants from spreading into the state.”
The Covid-19 death toll has hit the 300 mark in the state, while cumulative cases have surged to more than 48,000. – The Vibes, June 2, 2021
