KUALA LUMPUR – A positive result from an RTK-Antigen test or a self-test kit is sufficient for a home surveillance order (HSO) to be issued in efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Sarawak.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said individuals confirmed to have contracted the virus should be isolated immediately, and need not undergo an RT-PCR test.
“The focus is to isolate individuals who test positive as quickly as possible. We will also issue HSOs to their close contacts and family members,” he told a press conference in Kuching today.
“This is very important for Sarawakians to know. When you experience any symptoms, please undergo an RTK-Antigen test.
“If the result is positive, isolate yourself immediately. This is the best and most effective way for us to cut transmission.”
If patients are unable to isolate at home, he said, they can go to a low-risk quarantine and treatment centre.
“We have to focus on community empowerment so that this message can be passed down.”
Don’t breach digital HSO
Khairy said the ministry will intensify virtual Covid-19 Assessment Centres (CACs) in Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu.
“Patients don’t need to go to (physical) CACs. All they need to do is get assessed virtually, and a digital HSO will be issued.
“If they breach the digital HSO because they are not given the pink wristband, we will know. We know those who check-in (at premises) when their status is red.
“We know who you are, and we have told police that we will give the details to them.”
He said he has approved an additional RM3 million for Sarawak to outsource non-Covid-19 medical procedures to the private sector.
The state has spent RM4.6 million of the RM5 million allocated previously, he said.
“We are also sending another 20 ventilators this week. Ambulances are a big problem here, so we have approved 30 more for the state.
“The Royal Malaysian Air Force will deliver 1,008 oxygen cylinders to Sarawak on September 28.
“We will add a modular ICU and an additional 20 beds, which will be set up by the state government. Sixty-four healthcare workers will be mobilised next week.”
He said the federal government is also looking at ways to accelerate the opening of Sri Aman Hospital for coronavirus patients, so as to alleviate the pressure on Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching.
“We have received requests from the state government to open Sri Aman Hospital quickly. We are looking at ways to accelerate this.” – The Vibes, September 26, 2021
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