Coronavirus: Eleven new PUI cases recorded in Sarawak

KUCHING: Eleven new Patient Under Investigation (PUI) cases for the Wuhan coronavirus (2019-nCoV) were recorded in the state by 10.30am Saturday, compared to six cases on the day before.

According to a statement released by the State Disaster Management Committee on Saturday, Sibu Hospital has the highest number at nine followed by one each at the Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching and the Miri Hospital.

The cumulative PUI cases in the state from January 10 until Friday stood at 57.

However out of the total, 36 cases had tested negative. The balance of 21, which includes the 11 new cases, are awaiting laboratory testing result.

At 42 cases, Malaysian nationals contribute to the biggest number of the PUI cases, followed by 13 Chinese nationals, one Thai, and one Indonesian.

Meanwhile, the State Health Department has screened 5,876 arrivals at the various air, sea and land entry points to the state until 11am Friday.

Since February 2, some 52,203 arrivals to the state had been screened.

The State Health Department is again advising everyone to observe the highest standard of health by following measures such as covering their mouth and nose with tissue papers when coughing or sneezing; washing their hands with soap or hand sanitiser after coughing or sneezing; and using face mask when communicating with others.

The department also advised those who fell sick with fever, coughing and difficulty in breathing within 14 days after visiting China to report to the nearest hospitals. They must inform the doctors attending to them of their travelling history.

All doctors, whether they are from government hospital or clinic and those in the private practice, must notify the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) of the State Health Department immediately if they come across any suspected case.

They can do this by emailing to [email protected] or call 082-443248.