KUCHING: Anyone who has visited China over the past two weeks need to either inform the relevant authorities or get checked at a hospital, says Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said this was one of the precautionary steps to prevent the Wuhan coronavirus from spreading to the state.
“Just get yourself checked by the hospital if you have visited China before this and want to be sure. I hope they would understand that it is for the good of public safety,” he told the press during his open house on the first day of Chinese New Year.
Dr Sim said his main concern was that those who contracted the virus would not display any symptoms in the early stages, as the incubation period of the virus is two weeks.
Hence there should be a high alert for visitors who have been to China and their travelling history should be checked at entry points to the state, he added.
“We have to be vigilant in fighting the spread of the virus. Those who have contracted the virus might already be in our country as we speak.”
He also suggested those who have recently travelled to China to impose self-quarantine at home in order to minimise human contact.
“I know it is not a popular thing to do for one to advise others to confine themselves, especially during the Chinese New Year, but for the safety of the public, I hope they would understand the seriousness of this virus,” he said.