MIRI – Sarawak health authorities have warned that those who recover from Covid-19 after having only mild symptoms can develop long-term health complications – and these include children.
The Sarawak General Hospital Covid-19 Response Team has embarked on a public campaign to caution that children are especially at risk.
“There is no Covid-19 vaccine for young children. Covid-19 can kill children.
“And like adults, children may not recover fully from Covid-19 no matter how mild the infections are and will suffer in the long-term,” Sarawak General Hospital warned in public circulars and posters, including those posted via social media.
Sarawak General Hospital is the state’s biggest.
Sarawak health director Datuk Dr Mohamed Sapian Mohamed said the new record of 1,566 infections in the state yesterday is an indication of worse things to come.
He told reporters in Kuching that transmission within families and workplaces, as well as neighbourhoods, are worsening.
“Do not organise any social gatherings at all, do not celebrate in any way,” he said.
If the people do not play their part, we will see worse things to come.”
He stressed on continuing to follow existing standard operating procedures to rein in infections, especially physical distancing, wearing masks, good personal hygiene, avoiding crowded places and staying home.
“These are effective in prevention of Covid-19 and its variants. But if the stubborn attitude persists (among people), the situation will just get worse,” Dr Sapian said from his Kuching office.
Worryingly for Sarawak yesterday’s new daily high also included 272 Delta variant cases.
This is the highest throughout Malaysia, with second-placed Selangor recording 31 thus far.
The state Disaster Management Committee announced yesterday evening that only people who are fully vaccinated are allowed to go to workplaces.
“There are 1,653,259 who have completed both doses. This is 80.9% of the adult population,” it said in a press statement.
There were 731 new infections in Kuching alone yesterday. Bau saw 238 new cases, Lundu 175, Sibu 37, Miri 34, Bintulu 29 and many other districts had a dozen cases or more.
There were also five new clusters found statewide, which together contributed to about 180 new infections, yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Covid-19 death toll in the state now stands at 487. – The Vibes, August 17, 2021
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