MIRI – A new field hospital has been built next to the Sibu Hospital in anticipation of a surge in Omicron infections.
Deputy chief minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian described the hospital as a “much improved version” of the canvas-based hospital compared to field hospitals set up in Kuching and Miri.
“The army-style hospital will be able to accommodate 100 patients at any one time and costs RM1.5 million.
“It is ready to handle the potential surge in Omicron cases in Sibu,” Dr Sim posted on his Facebook page yesterday.
Dr Sim, who is also adviser to the state Disaster Management Committee, also stated that while the hospital remains under the federal list, the RM1.5 million – which includes 100 beds plus equipment – was funded by the committee.
However, Dr Sim did not elaborate on why Sibu is expected to be hit by an Omicron wave.
Over the past weeks, official figures for Covid-19 infection cases in Sibu and the rest of Sarawak, as announced by the state Disaster Management Committee, recorded a low number of cases throughout the state.
Despite the low numbers, Dr Sim cautioned the people in Sibu and the rest of the state to be on alert for the hike in Omicron cases. – The Vibes, January 9, 2022
