MIRI – Sarawak is seeing high cases of new Covid-19 infections for three weeks running, prompting the state Health Department to hasten the roll-out of third vaccination doses.
State health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck today called on those in vulnerable groups, including those not yet fully boosted and others at risk of infections, to get their third doses.
Those who are already vaccinated and have had the first booster shot should go for their second, he said.
He said the number of infections has been rising over the past three weeks.
From July 31 to August 6, there were 601 new cases. From August 7 to 13 the number increased to 930 new cases. Then from August 14 to 20, 806 new infections were reported.
“The number of new cases every week is high.
“The public in Sarawak is urged to exercise extra caution.
“Those not fully vaccinated must do so, and those already with two doses but remain at risk should get their third dose.
“Those already with booster shots but are in vulnerable groups should get their second booster,” he said in a press statement.
Dr Ooi said the third dose and second booster shots are fully on a voluntary basis.
However, due to the rising risk of infections, the department calls on the public to be better protected.
These shots are available at all government and private hospitals and clinics, he stressed.
“The public must also exercise extra precautions and protect themselves against infections in public places,” he said.
“Wear their facemasks at all times in crowded public places.”
Dr Ooi said the intensive care unit usage in hospitals in Sarawak is at 7.2%.
Meanwhile, Sarawak is seeing double trouble as the seasonal influenza is also worsening.
Miri City councillor Karambir Singh, who is also chairman of the Miri Hospital Visitors Board, had cautioned that there are increasing risks of community infections from both ailments.
“The seasonal influenza is increasing among the community, even as we were informed of the wave of BA.5 Omicron variant gaining speed in the state,” he said.
Karambir, who is also senior vice-chairman of the Miri Red Crescent Society, said the state authorities need to be alert to the latest developments concerning both ailments.
“Both ailments coming together at once can cause severe health complications and even deaths” he warned.
If those infected are in a weakened state, the seasonal flu can also cause death due to internal complications.
Early this month, it was announced that about one-third of new Covid-19 infections in Sarawak are from the highly-contagious BA.5 Omicron sub-variant as the wave of infection gains momentum.
Sarawakians are warned to be wary of the spread among the community following the latest report from Prof Dr David Perera of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
The university’s director of the Health and Community Medicine Institute had said in a press statement that out of 165 samples of infected Covid-19 patients tested since June 1, 32.8% were of the BA.5 variant.
Dr Perera said one case of the sub-variant of BA.4 was also found – the first in Sarawak. – The Vibes, August 28, 2022
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