SIBU – The spread of Covid-19 has reached a worrying level in Sibu, according to district Disaster Management Committee coordinator Dr Annuar Rapaee, who added that the spread of Covid-19 following the emergence of the Pasai cluster last month is no longer confined to the 58 longhouses initially affected.
“Looking at the number of new cases at the moment, 27% is from the cluster while 70% comes from the town area,” he said today.
Dr Annuar, who is also state Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister, said this during a talk streamed live on Facebook, hosted by Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh.
Sarawak infectious disease chief specialist Dr Chua Hock Hin also joined the talk.
Chua said the prevalence of the disease in Sibu town is very real, and everybody needs to play their part in curbing the spread of the virus.
He lamented that many people did not bother to get swab tests after developing Covid-19 symptoms such as mild fever, runny nose, and sore throat.
“(By the time) they come to the hospital, they are generally very sick, and they would have already spread the disease to other people,” he said.
He urged the public to undergo swab tests as soon as they experience symptoms so they can be treated early.
“While waiting for their swab test results, they should refrain from mingling with other people to avoid spreading the virus,” he added.
Chua stressed that the public must adhere to the movement control order (MCO) in Sibu, as well as strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Do it not just for yourselves, but for your parents, children, and spouses, too,” he added.
The talk, which attracted an audience of over 200 people, was held as the Chinese community prepares for the Lunar New Year celebration on February 12.
Ting, who is very concerned with the rising trend of Covid-19 cases in Sibu, has been calling on the community to cancel their family reunion for this year.
As of yesterday, Sibu has recorded 101 Covid-19 positive cases, with 32 from the Pasai cluster, 30 from active case detections, five from symptomatic screenings, and 34 from swab tests done at health facilities in Sibu.
“After Chinese New Year, there will probably be 200 new cases daily,” said Ting, adding that he was worried after finding out that 45 health workers had been infected.
He said everybody must make it their personal responsibility to combat the deadly virus.
“Cases in other towns are also rising, but not as much as in Sibu. It will not go away if we do not take responsibility in preventing it,” he said. – Bernama, February 7, 2021
