Wee (standing front, facing camera – centre) joins a briefing with members of the enforcement team at the start of the operation at Icom Square.
KUCHING: The Covid-19 swab test (rT-PCR) conducted by the Kuching Health Office at Icom Square yesterday involved more than 500 tenants of the premises and also customers there.
Members of the police force, including those from the auxiliary unit, also joined the operation, which ran from 8am until 1pm.
Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, who arrived at the integrated commercial hub at around 10am, commended the tenants and customers for coming down voluntarily for the swab test.
“I thank all of them for being proactive and supportive.
“This shows that we all want to be within a safe environment, one that’s free from the pandemic.
“I would also wish to commend those who went for the swab test at Milan Square (opposite VivaCity) yesterday (Monday).
“The Kuching Health Office has estimated that about 500 would turn up (at Icom Square) but by 10am, there are more than 500 people who are here,” he said.
Wee also reminded the public to remain cautious despite many people having undergone the swab test.
“Please, continue to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government.
“This Covid-19 wave seems to be more dangerous; hence, we must continue to adhere to the SOP, wear our masks in public places, bring our hand sanitisers along, wash our hands frequently, and observe physical distancing.
“Avoid going to crowded places and if you’re unwell, stay put – do not go out.”
The rT-PCR test at Icom Square yesterday was conducted at six counters at one of the wings there, manned by some 20 Kuching Health Office personnel.
On Jan 7 this year, State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) revealed that the eateries at Icom Square, Milan Square, GalaCity, VivaCity, The Spring Shopping Mall, Saradise dan S3 Curve had been frequented by a Covid-19 patient from the Stutong Cluster.
Meanwhile, Wee said in view of the current Covid-19 situation, the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) would be intensifying the enforcement of SOP in areas under its jurisdiction.
In this regard, he said MBKS frontline and enforcement teams would be provided with all the necessary protective gears such as face masks and face shields, gloves, as well as hand sanitisers.
Later, Wee and his MBKS officials visited the Kenyalang Market to ensure that all stall operators there were fully complying with the SOP set by the SDMC.
“This visit is also to show moral support to our frontliners who have been working very hard since Covid-19 hit the world last year,” said the mayor.