MIRI – Sibu authorities have refuted allegations that the Delta Covid-19 variant was detected in an Indonesian man in the district.
The Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee today said the rumours are stoking fear among the public.
“There are claims that the Delta Variant is already in Sibu. This is not confirmed as yet.
“An Indonesian man was admitted to Sibu Hospital on July 7 and found positive with Covid-19.
“Screening of his samples at the Sibu Hospital could not confirm what variant he had. The samples have been sent to Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) in Kuching for further tests,” it said in a statement today.
Two days ago, state Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian had said researchers from Unimas are uncovering more and more coronavirus variants in the state, especially in Kuching.
“Another 16 cases of (the) Delta variant of Covid-19 have been detected in Kuching as of July 4, bringing the total number of Delta variant cases to 17.
“And now, one new case of (the) Beta variant has also been detected in Kuching, bringing the total number of Beta variant cases to 45, in which three were imported cases.
“A cumulative total of 76 cases of variants of concern and variants of interest have been detected in Sarawak up to July 4.”
Sarawak has seen 443 Covid-19 fatalities and about 69,000 positive infections to date. – The Vibes, July 16, 2021
