S'wak to impose two-week stay at home order from Wednesday (March 18) for everyone entering the state

KUCHING: Sarawak will impose a two-week stay home order on everyone entering the state as part of measures to prevent the escalation of Covid-19, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

This comes after the state recorded 14 new positive cases on Monday (March 16), bringing the total to 34 since Friday (March 13).

“All visitors, foreign and domestic, coming into Sarawak and returning Sarawakians will be issued with a 14-day stay home notice. This includes Sarawak residents and long-term and short-term pass holders.

“The relevant agencies will monitor the stay home notice holders through random visits, phone calls and modern technology applications, ” Abang Johari said on Monday.

He said this comes into effect on Wednesday (March 18) and exemptions will only be given by the state Health Department to those required to travel under special circumstances, such as official and business duties.

Abang Johari also announced that all kindergartens, childcare centres and tahfiz schools in Sarawak are to close for two weeks effective Tuesday (March 17).

Institutions of higher learning are instructed to defer their new academic session by two weeks, also effective Tuesday.

In addition, all schools are instructed to extend their school holidays for another week until March 29, the Chief Minister said.

All public sports facilities, including swimming pools, stadiums and gyms are to be closed effective Tuesday until further notice.

He also said all state government functions involving more than 50 people will be cancelled or postponed until further notice.

“Any public functions involving more than 50 persons are strongly advised to be postponed or cancelled until further notice.

“Everyone is advised to practise the highest standard of personal hygiene and to strictly practise social distancing, ” Abang Johari said.

Of the 34 positive cases, 16 are in the Sarawak General Hospital here, seven in Sibu Hospital, 10 in Miri Hospital and one in Bintulu Hospital.

Another 186 cases are awaiting lab results.