SIBU – The requirement for essential workers to undergo real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) screening tests to cross districts is not intended to restrict their movement, said Sarawak Public Health and Housing Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Instead, he said, it is a preventive measure to curb the transmission of Covid-19.
“These people are at high risk because they often go to other areas in Sarawak, and we do not want them to bring (the) Covid-19 (virus) and infect their families and then spread it among the community,” he said.
He said this last night during a live stream on his Facebook page regarding the latest developments of Covid-19 in Sibu.
Dr Annuar said the screenings were only applied to workers in the essential services sectors who regularly traverse districts, and testing was done every two weeks to ensure they were negative for Covid-19.
He slammed certain parties for distorting the matter by stating that the screenings must be done every time an inter-district permit is applied for.
“The screening test should be done every two weeks for those who often cross the district, not every time when they want to cross the district.
“Don’t use this as mileage for something and cause confusion among the community. If you do not understand, ask first. Please be more responsible,” he said.
Dr Annuar, who is the coordinator of Sibu’s Disaster Management Committee, added that a total of 55 inter-district permits were applied for at the Sibu central police station yesterday, and only three applications were rejected.
Of the total, three applications were for official matters, essential services (12), deaths (two), ill family members (10), others (22) and medical treatment (six). – Bernama, May 20, 2021
