Sarawak investigating 11 new cases for novel coronavirus

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Travellers are seen wearing surgical masks upon arrival at Kuching International Airport – File photo

KUCHING: Eleven new Patient Under Investigation (PUI) cases for the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) were recorded in Sarawak by 10.30am yesterday, compared to six cases on Friday.

A statement released by the State Disaster Management Committee said Sibu Hospital has the highest number at nine followed by one each at the Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching and Miri Hospital.

The cumulative PUI cases in Sarawak from Jan 10 until Friday stood at 57.

From that figure, 36 cases had tested negative, while the remaining 21, including the 11 new cases, are awaiting laboratory test results.

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

Meanwhile, the Health Department on Friday screened 5,876 arrivals at the various air, sea, and land entry points to Sarawak as of 11am.

Since Feb 2, over 52,200 arrivals to the state have been screened.

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

The department also advised those who fall sick with fever, coughing, and difficulty in breathing within 14 days after visiting China to report to the nearest hospital.

They must also inform doctors attending to them of their travel history.

All doctors, whether they are from government hospitals or clinics, or 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 2019-nCoV case.

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