MIRI – Mass Covid-19 screenings for the Penan community in the remote sections of Baram district has been increased following the death of three Penan villagers due to the virus.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said the state Health Department’s mobile teams have successfully screened over 150 Penan villagers in Long Luteng and Long Lunyim settlements respectively so far.
Ngau told The Vibes that their screening outreach programme is currently expanding into more villages where the Penans community live.
“I am presently arranging for emergency transportation for those with positive cases and close contacts to Miri for quarantine and isolation.
“Following the deaths and possibly hundreds of infections due to (the) potential spread within their community, the Penan villagers are realising the urgency to undergo swab tests,” he said.
Despite the logistical challenges, Ngau said the mobile teams are working around the clock, to reach as many people in the Penan community as possible.
“Our tireless and continuous efforts in explaining (to) Penan village heads on matters related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the real danger we are facing from the virus, has borne fruit as many villagers have stepped up and volunteered to be screened.
“Our push is to ensure that all adults are vaccinated by next month.
“We will take necessary action to protect our people especially in Telang Usan against the spreading of this deadly virus,” he added.
The mobile health teams are presently reaching out to other Penan settlements in localities namely Long Win, Long Latie, Long Kevok, Long Lamai and near the Mulu National Park where infections have been detected.
Sarawak has recorded 419 Covid-19 deaths and more than 65,000 infections up to yesterday. – The Vibes, July 5, 2021
