S’wak Covid-19 cases double to 641 in epidemic week 50 from Dec 10-16; no new deaths recorded

Uggah giving a press conference on Covid-19 updates at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Dec 21, 2023.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Dec 21: Sarawak has recorded 641 Covid-19 cases in epidemic week 50 from Dec 10 to 16, which is double the number of 310 cases in the previous week.

Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Covid-19 cases have been on the rise since epidemic week 36 (Sept 3 – 29), but no new deaths were reported in epidemic week 50.

“Thus, the total number of Covid-19 deaths remains at nine cases this year,” he told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.

Uggah, who is also Sarawak Deputy Premier, said 45 patients were admitted to the hospital with serious Categories 3, 4, and 5 in epidemic week 50, which is 20 cases more than the previous week.

“However, patient management is still within our capacity and manageable for now, and the hospital is strengthening its preparedness to handle severe Covid-19 cases,” he added.

He thus advised the public to follow the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) standard operating procedure (SOP) given the increasing number of cases and admissions in the past few weeks.

“They are to maintain personal hygiene at all times and use facemasks in public areas, especially high-risk groups such as the elderly, individuals with underlying chronic diseases, immuno-compromised individuals, and pregnant mothers,” he said.

Symptomatic individuals are also advised not to go to public areas and if they must, they should wear facemasks all the time.

“Always test, isolate, and inform the sick if you have symptoms. Seek treatment immediately if symptoms worsen, especially for high-risk individuals.

“All individuals especially those in the high-risk group are strongly advised to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of infections and morbidity from Covid-19,” said Uggah.

Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik and Deputy State Director of Health Dr Veronica Lugah were also present. — DayakDaily