MIRI – It looks like Sarawak is preparing for an outbreak involving a new wave of Covid-19 variants, said Miri MP Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng.
The state Pakatan Harapan deputy chairman and state PKR vice-chairman told The Vibes that information obtained from his contacts in the health sectors says that Sarawak is expecting a surge in outbreaks in the weeks ahead.
“Sarawak is making efforts to set up more mobile hospitals throughout the state. The state authorities expect a surge in community infections of Covid-19 variants, just like what is happening in Singapore.
“It is obvious Covid-19 variants are spreading aggressively even though the figures from the State Disaster Management Committee say otherwise.
“I appeal to the Election Commission to not set dates for nomination and polling for the state election as of yet. Please wait. We are talking about an impact on three million Sarawakians if we go to the polls anytime soon.
“I am really worried about what lies ahead for us all,” Teo said, adding that the army has set up a combat-style field hospital in Sibu town, central Sarawak, which opens today to accommodate new patients.
“Setting up such field hospitals again means anticipating a surge in patients.”
Former state assistant health minister Dr Annuar Rapaee said that the field hospital located adjacent to Sibu Hospital is ready and will accommodate new patients for non-Covid-19 cases.
“The main hospital wards can then accomodate more (Covid-19) patients,” he said after inspecting the site yesterday.
Dr Annuar is the incumbent state assemblyman for Nangka.
He also thanked the army for its quick action in setting up the field hospital under short notice.
Yesterday saw 13 more coronavirus deaths in Sarawak involving people aged between 40 and 80 in Kuching, Betong, Sibu, Miri, and Bintulu.
There were also 416 new infections statewide, with Kuching district recording 138 new cases, Miri 55, Sibu 51, and several districts a few dozen cases each. – The Vibes, November 11, 2021
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