Dr Chin Zin Hing.
KUCHING (Feb 26): The significant increase in new Covid-19 cases in Sarawak this year was largely due to new clusters caused by crowd gatherings, said Sarawak Health Director Dr Chin Zin Hing.
He said this finding was based on an analysis by the Sarawak Health Department, coupled with those violating the operating procedures (SOP) such as social distancing, not wearing face masks properly, and not observing hand hygiene.
In a statement today, Dr Chin said based on reports, among the main contributors of the significant increase in new cases in the state this year were funerals which contributed to four clusters, each in Sibu, Beluru, Kapit and Kuching.
“The size of these clusters are between 25 to 2,000 cases each,” he said.
Dr Chin also said that another main contributor to the increase in cases in the state was social gatherings, which had resulted in 11 clusters in the state.
Three of the social gathering clusters were in Kuching, two in Samarahan, and one each in Serian, Sri Aman, Kapit, Julau, Betong and Bau, he said, adding that sizes of these clusters were between 17 to 61 cases.
Workplace clusters also contributed to the increase in Sarawak cases, where five workplace clusters were detected, said Dr Chin.
He said two clusters were in Bintulu, and one each in Matu, Meradong and Sri Aman, with sizes between 10 and 35 cases each.
Weddings were also one of the main contributors to the state’s increasing number of Covid-19 cases, with one cluster in Miri recorded which recorded 187 cases, said Dr Chin.
He reminded Sarawakians that the Covid-19 virus is already within the community, and was just waiting for the opportunity to spread, even among asymptomatic individuals.
“The mode of infection occurs either when in a crowded place, in a confined space, interacting or talking at close range (close conversation), and while eating or drinking where the face masks are removed,” he said.
As such, Dr Chin said the Sarawak Health Department is appealing for the cooperation of all parties to avoid participating in any large gathering because of the high risk of Covid-19.
At the same time, he said, the public is advised to continue to comply with the SOP which is in force at all times.
“The Sarawak Health Department is also advising the public to be concerned in protecting their family members and colleagues by not exposing themselves to the risk of Covid-19 infection.
“The high risk of Covid-19 infection can occur when individuals participate in large gatherings and subsequently infect their family members and co-workers.
“Therefore, the public is urged to take wise actions to curb the Covid-19 epidemic in Sarawak,” said Dr Chin.