MIRI – An Indonesian worker brought the Delta variant into Sibu, reported the division’s Disaster Management Committee in a statement today.
The committee said the man came into the state through illegal means on July 5, with the help of a fellow Indonesian and a pair of locals.
“He came on July 5 and was confirmed Covid-19-positive on July 7.
“Universiti Malaysia Sarawak tests proved that he has the Delta variant. The others (his helpers) are still negative. Police are investigating the Indonesian case.”
Covid-19’s Delta variant is spreading in Sarawak.
As of July 13, 76 cases involving the variant were found in Kuching (52), Serian (11), Sri Aman (5), Samarahan (3), Miri (1), Sibu (1) and Betong (1).
Dr David Pereira, who is Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) Health and Community Medicine Institute director, said genomics studies have found that the variant is spreading from Kuching to other districts.
Last month, Unimas found 17 Delta infections in Kuching.
Dr Pereira said Covid-19 cases involving the deadly variant have been detected in multiple areas, especially in Kuching.
“They were found in Sentosa Hospital, the lock-up at Satok police station, and other places,” he said in a statement today.
Sarawak Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian warned the public to not take the Covid-19 situation in the state lightly, as the Delta variant is proving to be a real threat.
Today, Sarawak recorded 261 new Covid-19 cases and one death involving a 58-year-old man in Serian. – The Vibes, July 21, 2021
