Malaysia

S’wak waiting for expert advice, holds back on eased curbs for fully vaxxed

State authorities say existing SOPs to remain in force until further notice

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 09 Aug 2021 7:50PM

S’wak waiting for expert advice, holds back on eased curbs for fully vaxxed — A Covid-19 vaccination drive in Kapit, Sarawak last Thursday. Officials in the state are urging the people to continue following public health rules after getting their jabs. – Bernama pic, August 9, 2021

by Stephen Then

MIRI – The easing of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for those who are fully vaccinated will only be implemented once they are approved by the state Disaster Management Committee (DMC).

Currently, the state is seeking expert advice on interstate and inter-district travel as well as other perks enjoyed by those who are fully vaccinated, especially under Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan.

“Existing SOPs in Sarawak are still maintained until further announcements,” the committee’s secretariat said.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had yesterday announced a range of relaxations in Covid-19 SOPs for adults who have been fully vaccinated.

He said that the decision was taken after careful consideration, adding that Putrajaya is confident that risks can be mitigated.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Health Department director Datuk Dr Mohamed Sapian Mohamed said the existing Covid-19 vaccines in Sarawak are still able to fend off the spread of the Delta Variant.

“We would like to emphasise that the current vaccines are reliable in reducing chances of critical infections and deaths even in the cases involving Delta and other variants.

Sarawak Health Department director Datuk Dr Mohamed Sapian Mohamed says existing Covid-19 shots are effective against virus variants. – The Malaysian Paediatric Association pic, August 9, 2021

“However, the public must be reminded that even those who are fully vaccinated must strictly adhere to all the SOPs.

“They must be vigilant about personal hygiene and even if they have any slight symptoms of sickness, they must seek medical help without delay,” he said in a press statement.

Dr Sapian said that there were at least 83 critical cases in June, dropping to 43 last month.

This month’s average is currently at 27 critical cases.

“This shows that vaccination is indeed helpful.

“As of now, 63.3% of Sarawakians have obtained their first dose while 54.4% have been fully vaccinated.

“Those still not vaccinated can walk in for their jabs at venues set up in the respective districts,” he added.

Sarawak reported 589 new infections today, with Kuching claiming 348 of those.

The state saw three more fatalities involving a man aged 80 in Sri Aman, a woman aged 85 in Kuching and a 56-year-old man in Simunjan, bringing the state’s death toll to 471. – The Vibes, August 9, 2021