Uggah (centre) together with Dr Sim (left) and Ik Pahon (right) aiming the portable thermal guns to be distributed to all CIQ entry points throughout the state. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has identified the Kolej Kesihatan Awam in Kota Sentosa here to be the state’s quarantine facility in the event of a Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah said said the facility is currently being prepared and will be put on standby as soon as possible.
“If we have to quarantine a big group of suspected cases, then this is the facility to house them. We hope we do not have to resort to using it,” he told reporters after chairing a state disaster committee meeting this morning
The idea of having a dedicated quarantine facility to house Wuhan coronavirus patients or suspected patients have been suggested by several politicians.
One of them was Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information chief Dato Idris Buang, who suggested that the state government to work together with the federal government to establish a separate facility from the existing hospitals to quarantine and treat patients suspected of contracting the coronavirus in Sarawak.
He said existing medical facilities or hospitals like the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) is already crowded with patients, and to quarantine patients with infectious diseases together with other patients there would not be a good idea.
“Putting them (coronavirus patients) in those hospitals would be to put other patients and visitors in a vulnerable position.
“Chances of spreading the virus there is highly probable. Not everyone is aware of how to handle the said problem,” he said on Jan 27.
Meanwhile, Uggah said the committee will be working out a mechanism to conduct random checks on those who are observing self-quarantine at home.
“As we have advised Sarawakians who have visited China and any other affected countries within the last 14 days to self-quarantine at home. This advice also includes foreigners who have special permits or workers coming to Sarawak.
“This is all the steps and strategy we are taking to ensure that Sarawakians are protected from this virus,” said Uggah.
As of February 3, Sarawak recorded eight pending cases awaiting result. No positive cases have been recorded for Sarawak yet.
Other steps he revealed was the purchase of two thermal scanners for the Sibu and Bintulu Airports, which costs RM120,000 each, and also the purchase of 10 handheld thermal guns to be distributed to all the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) entry points throughout the state.
“So far so good as there has been no positive cases in Sarawak at the moment, and hopefully ever.
“Everybody is working hard and all agencies involved and trying their very best to ensure that all necessary steps and strategies are being taken.
“Sometimes the strategies are difficult, but need to be taken to protect Sarawakians from this virus. We will do whatever we can to protect Sarawakians,” said Uggah.
Also at the meeting were Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, and heads of government agencies and departments.